This is an example of a Gustave Young factory engraved Colt Model 1849 Pocket Revolver that was manufactured in 1859. The revolver has deluxe factory floral scroll engraving on a punch-dot background and floral accents executed by Master Engraver Gustave Young or his shop. The flawlessly executed scrollwork covers the lug and rear two thirds of the barrel, the loading lever flats, the frame, the sides and bottom of the trigger guard, the trigger guard bow and the bottom and upper third of the back strap. The top and sides of the hammer are decorated with Young's characteristic wolf head motif. There is a dogs head on the left side of the barrel above the wedge and a birds head on the left rear of the frame. The head of most of the screws are engraved. The top barrel flat is presentation style scroll engraved "Saml Colt" surrounded by simple decorative line engraving and the left side of the frame is marked "COLT'S/PATENT". The complete matching serial number is marked on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, back strap and cylinder, with the partial serial number "4212" on the loading lever. Writer was unable to remove the wedge to check it's or the cylinder pin number. The cylinder is roll engraved with the stagecoach holdup scene and marked "COLTS PATENT" over the serial number. The barrel and cylinder were blue, casehardened loading lever, frame and hammer and silver-plated trigger guard and back strap. Fitted with with a one-piece nicely figured varnished walnut grip.

Fine. The barrel retains 25% original blue finish mainly on the lower flats and shows seven noticable dents on the top left flat. The remaining metal surfaces have a smooth mottled grayish brown patina. The hammer screw is a crude period replacement. The back strap and trigger guard retain 30% original silver finish concentrated on the top of the back strap and in the protected areas of the trigger guard. The brass has a pleasant aged patina. The deluxe factory burl grip is very fine with at least 95% original varnish, showing some lower edge wear and a few minor dings and handling marks. The cylinder scene is 95% visible and the engraving and markings are clear. The action is fine.