POTD: More Robust, Lesser Known – Colt 1855 Sidehammer
Sam.S 07.24.23
Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! Here we have a lesser-acknowledged Colt revolver. This is the Colt Sidehammer. The Colt Model 1855 Sidehammer Revolver, often called the Root Revolver after designer Elisha Root, was manufactured from 1855-1870. Over 40,000 of these single-action percussion revolvers were produced in varying models distinguished by caliber, barrel length, and markings. A key innovation was its solid frame design, unlike earlier Colts with open top-straps. This fully enclosed cylinder made the revolver much stronger, though reloading was tougher since the cylinder had to be accessed from the side. The standard model had a 3.5-inch barrel, but 4 and 4.5-inches were also available, sometimes engraved. The smooth cylinder was also engraved per the customer’s request. Other notable features include the tight cylinder axis, iconic spurred hammer, stud trigger, and side-mounted percussion lock. This side hammer greatly simplified the firing mechanism. The 1855 Sidehammer was a transitional model marking an important step towards more robust revolver frames while retaining some limitations in loading and cylinder access. Still, with over 40,000 produced, it found commercial success and remains a milestone in Colt’s influential history of revolver development. Its solid frame pointed the way forward for revolvers even as it retained vestiges of earlier designs.
“Factory cased Colt Model 1855 Sidehammer Pocket Revolver manufactured in 1863. This Model 5A revolver features a .31 caliber, 4-1/2 inch barrel, full fluted, five shot cylinder and round loading lever with navy type latch. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped: “ADDRESS COL. COLT/NEW-YORK U.S.A.” in two lines. “PATENTED SEPT. 10th 1850” is roll-stamped in one cylinder flute, and “31 CAL” is stamped on the right side of the frame behind the recoil shield. The serial number is stamped on the underside of the barrel and the bottom of the back strap. The revolver has the Colt high polish commercial blue finish on the barrel, cylinder and frame with fire blue trigger and color casehardened loading lever, hammer and cylinder pin. The one-piece walnut grip has a varnished piano finish. The revolver is complete with an American style Colt mahogany case with six compartments lined with deep purple or brown velvet. The case contains: (1) 100 count tin of Eley percussion caps with green label, (2) L-shaped screw-driver, (3) steel pick with turned walnut handle, (4) un-marked brown lacquer pocket-pistol powder flask with gold-plated top and adjustable charger, (5) blued straight leg double cavity iron bullet mold marked “COLT’S/PATENT” in two lines across the top of the sprue cutter and “31 PKT” on the side of the right block, (6) assorted .31 caliber lead balls and (7) key. Designed by Elisha K. Root, the Model 1855 Sidehammer revolvers were the only Colt percussion revolvers with a solid frame. Approximately 40,000 Model 1855 Sidehammer revolvers were manufactured between 1855 and 1870.”
Lot 68: Cased Colt 1855 Sidehammer Percussion Revolver – Exceptional Factory Cased Colt Model 1855 Sidehammer Pocket Percussion Revolver. (n.d.-b). Rock Island Auction Company. photograph. Retrieved July 23, 2023, from https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/77/68/cased-colt-1855-sidehammer-percussion-revolver.
