This revolver was manufactured in 1854. It features distinctive Gustave Young engraving patterns on the rear quarter of the barrel, all of the frame, sides of the loading leaver, bottom of the trigger guard, and top and bottom of the back strap. It has animal heads worked into the designs on the left side of the barrel and on the hammer. Similarly engraved revolvers can be seen on pages 68-69 of The Book of Colt Engraving by R. L. Wilson. Note the similar placement of the head, the German influenced floral scroll patterns including the leaf design over the wedge on the right, and the matching shell designs on the sides of the back straps at the top. In addition to the engraving, this example has "A. H. P./from/J. W. R." inscribed on the back strap. The latter initials may represent James Wolfe Ripley of Hartford, Connecticut, who was a descendant of the first governor of Plymouth Colony. Ripley was the superintendent of the U.S. Springfield Armory from 1841 to 1854 and then the Watertown Arsenal until the outbreak of the Civil War during which he served as the chief of ordnance for the Army. Ripley received multiple presentation revolvers from Colt including a Model 1851 inscribed " Col. J. W. Ripley/From the Inventor" pictured on page 61 of The Book of Colt Engraving. "A. H. P." likely represents Alfred Hayes Porter who was born in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1828. Porter was the descendant of the first governor of Connecticut and his father was a wealthy merchant. He became a wealthy merchant and investor in his own right and was involved in multiple Evangelical and philanthropic activities primarily in New York City. He was a member of the abolitionist American Missionary Association which helped force the discussion of abolition into a serious national political issue. The first building at the Tuskegee Institute is named in his honor due to his donations and association with Booker T. Washington. The revolver has the standard markings found on engraved revolvers, post and notch sights, and a smooth one-piece group. It comes in fitted hardwood case with red lined interior, Eley Bros. cap tin, a few lead bullets, Colt's patent American eagle powder flask and dual cavity bullet mold, and package of Colt cartridges marked for "COLT'S PATENT/REVOLVING/POCKET PISTOL".

Very good plus. The grip frame retains 80% plus of the silver plating which has taken on a dark patina. The balance of the revolver has mostly a crisp gray-brown patina with some light spotting and pitting. The highly figured walnut grip is fine with moderate handling wear, small scrapes, and some small pressure marks. The action is fine, and the markings and engraving patterns are crisp. The case and accessories are fine.