This revolver was manufactured in 1855 when Master Engraver Gustave Young was Colt's primary engraving contractor, and the engraving is typical of the revolvers attributed to Young himself. The masterfully cut scrollwork features interlacing tendrils, beaded backgrounds, some crosshatched panels, a small animal head inhabiting the scrollwork above the loading lever screw on the left, floral accents, and the rayed elements on the barrel lug and sides of the back strap. The barrel has a brass cone front sight and the hand cut "Saml Colt" marking rather than the usual address, and the frame has "COLTS/PATENT" engraved in a panel rather than the standard stamped marking. The hammer has the classic wolf's head motif. The factory dot marking used to designate revolvers for special finishing is marked by the main serial numbers on the bottom, and all of the serial numbers match. The barrel lug has a "2" on the left, and a "5" is also marked on the frame ahead of trigger guard and on the guard between the serial number and bow. The left side of the trigger guard also has an "S". The grip has a detailed raised relief bust portrait of a dragoon on the left side. While there are other similar grips known on other engraved Colts from the 1850s, they tend to each be fairly unique, and all are rare. For a comparison, see '49 Pocket sn. 107794 from Lot 3210 in our December 2022 auction. It featured a similar motif that under inspection shows notable variations. The revolver is also featured in the Texas Gun Collector Association magazine's July 1969 issue on p. 69. It comes in a very nice rosewood case with brass corner protectors and escutcheons, hunter green lining, balls and bullets, a key, spare small parts, brass ball/bullet mold, pocket powder flask, Eley Bros. cap tin, and two cartridge packs. This incredible revolver is featured on page in the "Antique Arms Annual" from 1971 on page 17 as part of S.P. Stevens's collection of engraved Colt's with carved grips. There the carving is attributed as "the rare God of War motif." Dragoon helmets drew inspiration from ancient Greco-Roman designs, including the use of a prominent crest which was also a feature on the helmets Greek god of war Ares is often depicted with. Provenance: The S.P. Stevens Collection; The Marty Lane Collection; The Al Cali Collection; The Greg Lampe Collection

Exceptionally fine. The engraving, markings, and cylinder scene remain crisp throughout. 75% of the original blue finish remains with some flaking and smooth brown patina. The loading lever, hammer, and frame retain patterns of the muted casecolor and mostly display a gray type appearance commonly found on engraved Colts from this period, and the grip straps retain 80% of the original silver plating with a flaked section on the trigger guard tang. The grip is very fine and has crisp carving showing minor handling wear, attractive aged patina, and long vertical hairline cracks on right grip panel. Mechanically excellent. The case and accessories are very fine with minor age and storage related wear. Overall, this is a very attractive factory engraved Colt Model 1849 Pocket with the especially rare dragoon relief carved grip.