Lot 81

Cased Factory Engraved Colt Model 1855 Revolver with Carved Grip

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Cased Factory Engraved Colt Model 1855 Revolver with Carved Grip

Estimate: $18,000 - $27,500

Starting Bid: $16,000

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
June 27, 2026 5:00 PM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Exceptional Cased Gustave Young Factory Master Engraved Colt Model 1855 Root Percussion Pocket Revolver with Extraordinary Relief Carved Eagle Liberty Ivory Grip This incredible Colt Model 1855 from 170 years ago remains a fitting tribute to American independence and liberty with its stunning ivory grip with carving inspired by the Great Seal of the United States featuring a raised relief carved bald eagle with olive branches and arrows on a patriotic shield over a scroll inscribed "LIBERTY". Its engraving is also emblematic of the American dream in the 19th century, as it was cut by Master Engraver Gustave Young, one of several highly talented Germanic engravers who emigrated from Europe following the Revolutions of 1848 and found success in the U.S. where their talents formed the basis for the American style of arms engraving that continues on to this day. The revolver features finely detailed acanthus scroll engraving with beaded backgrounds and track line borders covering approximately half of the metal surfaces. The designs are particularly impressive in that they are appropriately scaled down to the smaller size of the Model 1855 making the details even finer. The engraving closely follows the patterns on the revolvers on page 74 of "The Book of Colt Engraving" in the section covering Master Engraver Gustave Young. The hammer on this revolver has six of Young's signature punch dots below the spur, each said to represent a 10 hour day of work. This Model 2 variant of the Model 1855 revolver series was manufactured in 1856. The barrel has a post front sight, "[manicule] +COLT'S PT/1855+" and "ADDRESS COL. COLT/HARTFORD, CT USA+" on top, and the matching serial number on the bottom. The cylinder has the cabin and Indian roll engraved scene. The grip has a beautiful relief carved patriotic eagle, shield, and "LIBERTY" marked scroll motif on the left side. A similar grip motif identified as "carved at Colt's factory" appears on page 93 of "The Book of Colt Engraving." The French style casing, which is rare for the Model 1855 revolver series, is lined in red wine velvet, has brass hardware including a blank inscription plate inlaid on the exterior of the lid and contains a "COLTS/PATENT" marked two cavity brass bullet mold, combination "L" shaped tool, Eley Bro. percussion cap tin with caps, lead rounds, package of combustible envelope cartridges, and double face eagle powder flask.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: 1855 Root Pocket

BBL: 3 1/2 inch octagon

Gauge: 28

Finish: blue

Grips: antique ivory

Serial Number14428

Class: Antique

  • Condition: Exceptionally fine, retaining 85% plus bright original blue finish with the balance a smooth brown patina. All of the cylinder scene remains. 95% original case colors remain on the hammer and loading lever. The engraving is crisp. The grip is excellent showing typical age cracking on the bottom, otherwise a highly attractive color and crisp relief carving. Mechanically excellent. The presentation case is very fine with a few hairline cracks along the grain, minor handling/storage marks, and some typical high spot wear on the lining. The accessories are excellent overall. This is a very attractive and scarce revolver most likely engraved by Gustave Young and fitted with an equally impressive relief carved eagle ivory grip. It would be an excellent addition to any collection of antique Colt firearms. A must have for the serious Colt collector!

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000