Engraved, not stamped, "PETTENGILL'S PATENT 1856" on top of the barrel and roll stamped "RAYMOND & ROBITAILLE / PATENTED 1858" on the bottom of the frame in front of the trigger guard. The serial number is stamped on the side of the cylinder, the bottom of the barrel, and top of the cylinder pin. This very early revolver has the split loading lever on which the two halves were squeezed together to release it from the double post catch on the bottom of the barrel. Another very early feature is the groove in the bottom of the barrel for the square block on top of the cylinder pin. A 1-11/16 inch "T" shaped block fits into this slot ahead of the block to keep the cylinder pin from moving. This feature was abandoned before serial number 50, so it is very rare. The frame is almost completely covered with engraving with floral scrolls on the sides, top strap, backstrap, and trigger guard, arrow borders around the marking and cylinder opening and a sunrise on the butt. The scroll engraving is on the top three flats of the barrel and the sides of all three pieces of the loading lever. A charging bear is incorporated in the engraving on the left side of the frame. This is one of the signatures of Gustave Young, considered by most to have been the premier engraver in America at that time. Even the grip screw is engraved. There is a german silver post front sight and a high domed screw rear sight.

Very good plus. Smooth blue/gray patina with faint traces of original blue in protected places. Scattered spotting near the muzzle. There is a tiny hairline crack at the base of the right grip, barely visible. Mechanically fine. PROVENANCE Hank Truslow, Julia Auction 2003, Frank Sellers 2003