This incredible Colt Model 1849 Pocket was manufactured in 1855 and was almost certainly embellished by Master Engraver Gustave Young or his shop. Young became Colt's primary engraving contractor when that position was created in 1855 and had been engraving for Colt since 1853 or 1854. A punch dot and an additional "5" are stamped either above or below the serial number on the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The dot indicates that the components were designated at the factory for engraving and special finish. The barrel, loading lever, frame, trigger guard, back strap and screws are factory deluxe engraved with interlacing Germanic scrollwork on a punch dot background. The sides of the hammer are engraved with a wolf's head motif. "Saml Colt" is hand engraved in Old English letters on the top barrel flat, and "COLTS/PATENT" is engraved in a two-line arch on the left side of the frame. The left side of the grip is decorated with a relief carved American man-of-war under full sail. This is a truly extraordinary grip. Carved grips in general are rare and desirable on percussion Colts, and those we see are typically busts, eagles, or other designs. This impressive design definitely makes this revolver stand out. The revolver has a high polish blue barrel and cylinder and a casehardened loading lever, frame and hammer. The trigger guard and back strap are silver plated brass. The revolver has a cone shaped front sight, frame with beveled loading cut-out, a five-shot cylinder engraved with the stagecoach holdup scene, a hammer with bordered knurled spur and early pattern rounded trigger guard. The full serial number is stamped on the bottom of the barrel lug, on the frame, on the trigger guard, on the back strap and on the side of the cylinder. The loading lever is stamped with the partial serial number "3953". The revolver is complete with a mahogany British style case lined with navy blue velvet. The case has a scalloped brass escutcheon inlaid on the lid and has a British style interior with five compartments. The British features include fitting for a cleaning rod, an interior compartment lid with turned brass handle, and a recessed space for the combination screwdriver/nipple wrench. The case contains a full set of standard Colt British accessories which consist of a blue steel cleaning rod, an Eley Bros. cap tin with green paper label, a blue iron double cavity bullet mold marked "COLT'S/PATENT" on the sprue cutter and "31PKT" on the right block (Rapley #M16), and a bag-shaped Dixon Pocket Flask with adjustable charger, a gold-plated top, and a brown lacquered body marked "JAMES-DIXON/AND SONS SHEFFIELD" and a lanyard ring on the bottom (Rapley #F54). Included in the case are the correct key and an assortment of lead round balls and conical bullets.

Fine with much of the original blue, casehardened, and silver plated finish, meticulously executed engraving that is mostly crisp throughout, some areas of generally minor pitting, and mild wear. The incredible relief carved grip is very fine with a mellow patina, crisp relief carving, some minor shrinkage, and three hairline age cracks on the right side. Mechanically excellent. The case remains very fine and exhibits minor age and storage related wear. The accessories are also very fine with strong original finish and minor age and storage related wear. This is a fine example of a Model 1849 Pocket Model revolver with factory deluxe factory engraving and naval themed relief carving complete with a very fine case and accessories.