The outside of the documents state that these "Letters Patent were produced and registered at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents for Inventions on this 9th day of July 1856. . ." and is signed "L. Edmunds." The smaller of the two enclosed pages is dated July 17, 1853. The larger page has three royal blue seals and indicates the documents are for Samuel Colt's "improved machinery for boring metals" and lists him as a resident of Spring Gardens in the County of Middlesex. This patent (No. 1703) as well as at least five other English patents from 1853 are also registered to Colt and list that location and are confirmed by Patent Office record.

Fine overall. There is some slight fading of the text, but the writing is distinct throughout. There are a few mild stains and some creases and edge wear.