This factory engraved Colt Model 1849 Pocket revolver was manufactured in 1855. The revolver has deluxe factory engraving that was probably executed by Gustave Young and is accompanied by a French fitted case with powder flask and bullet mold. The revolver frame, trigger guard and back strap are stamped with a punch-mark below the serial number which indicates that the component was designated by Colt for engraving or special finish. The top of the barrel is engraved: "SAML COLT" in Old English letters surrounded by engraved double-line flourishes and "COLTS/PATENT" is engraved in two curving lines on the left side of the frame. The sides of the barrel and lug, sides of the loading lever, frame, hammer, back strap and the bottom and sides of the trigger guard are engraved with Gustave Young's broad Germanic scrollwork on a punch-dot background. The engraving includes a line with scalloped border around the muzzle and engraved decorations on both ends of the wedge and the screws. Young's signature wolf head motif is partially hidden in the scrollwork on the left side of the barrel lug above the loading lever screw. The sides of the hammer are decorated with the wolf heads found on Young engraved guns. The top of hammer has four dots present which indicate a moderate lever of embellishment by Young. The revolver has a blue finish on the barrel and cylinder with color casehardened frame, loading lever and hammer. The brass trigger guard and back strap are silver-plated. The one-piece grip is nicely figured walnut with a high polish piano finish. The five-shot cylinder is roll-engraved with the stage hold-up scene and "COLTS PATENT". The full serial number, "107818" is stamped on the bottom of the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard, back strap and cylinder. The partial serial number "7818" is stamped on the loading lever. All of the visible serial numbers match. The walnut case has a French fitted interior with compartments for the revolver flask and bullet mold and two compartments with lids and bone handles. The case is lined with crimson velvet. The powder flask has a brown lacquered body, gold-plated brass top and fixed charger and fire blue spring. The top is secured by steel screws. Both sides of the flask body are embossed with an eagle and shield above crossed revolvers. There are nine stars above the eagle and "E.PLURIBUS. UNUM" on a ribbon below the revolvers. The blued, iron, double cavity bullet mold is stamped "COLTS/PATENT" on the sprue cutter and "31 PKT" on the right mold block.

Very fine. The revolver retains 75% of the original blue and 60% soft muted color casehardened finish. The blue finish is thin on the forward portion of the barrel and there is edge wear on high points. The cylinder has a silver-gray patina with traces of blue in protected areas. Nearly all of the stage holdup scene is present on the cylinder. The cylinder safety pins are battered but intact and the percussion nipples show light flash pitting. The loading lever, frame and hammer have more than 90% of the original casehardened finish. The front of the hammer has some light flash pitting. The trigger guard and back strap retain nearly all of the silver-plated finish. The grip is in excellent condition; almost all of the high polish piano finish is present and wear is limited to a few minor handling marks. The flawlessly executed engraving is extremely sharp. The powder flask is in very fine condition and retains 95% of the brown lacquer and gold-plated finish. The bullet mold has been period reblued with faint markings. The case interior is in very good condition. Wear is limited to some fading on exposed surfaces and a few compression marks from contact with the revolver muzzle, cylinder and grip. The case exterior has been professionally refinished and is in very good condition. This is a very fine example of a factory engraved Colt Model 1849 Pocket Model revolver with French fitted case, powder flask and bullet mold.