September 20, 2018 Colt Firearms Collection
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/20/2018
One of the finest and certainly one of the rarest Colt Root revolvers known, serial number 16 is an icon. First Model Roots are extremely rare in their own right but the beautiful and elaborate scroll engraving on serial number 16 places it in its own category. Barrel and frame retain much original bright blue finish. Cylinder has turned to brown patina but still has crisp cylinder scene and Colt's patent etching. Walnut grips retain most of the original varnish. The engraving involves a characteristic monster or dog on left side of frame spewing scrolls from its mouth. A similar monster appears on the right side of the frame, and a third on the back strap. The hammer is beautifully engraved and checkered, featuring eight dots on the saddle of the hammer; thought to represent eight days of engraving work. A French fitted rosewood case is of the vertical lid type with flask, mold, screwdriver and Hicks cap box. The wine red lining is faded but the case is in overall fine condition. This splendid revolver was once part of the legendary Jerry Berger Collection of Colts; sold at Christie’s on October 7, 1981 and is pictured on pages 152 and 153 of that catalog. According to the author of the catalog, legendary Colt expert R.L. Larry Wilson, "This is the side hammer Type 1 (175 produced), of which No. 16 is the finest known example. The decoration surpasses that found on Nos. 10234 and 9126 presented to Colonel Colt to ... the Grand Dukes Micheal and Constantine." Number 16 is the most important Colt Root revolver to be offered for sale in many years.
CORRECTION: barrel length is 3-1/2"
Accessories
Case, Bullet mold, Powder flask, Caps tin, Tool