Factory engraved Colt Model 1848 Baby Dragoon revolver manufactured in 1850. This revolver is described and illustrated in detail on pages 158-161 of "The Art of the Gun, Magnificent Colts: Volume I" by Robert M. Lee and R.L. Wilson and on page 106 of "The Book of Colt Firearms" by R.L. Wilson. This Model 1848 revolver is a very rare factory showpiece made for international exhibition. An image of this revolver which displays the serial number was utilized to promote Colt firearms at the Dublin Exhibition in 1853. This revolver is nearly identical to the Colt Model 1848, serial number 12571, which was presented to the Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII) and is presently in the Royal Armories Museum. This revolver is a very late production, transitional Baby Dragoon with the loading lever and Stagecoach Holdup cylinder scene found on Model 1849 Model Pocket revolvers. It features elaborate, exhibition grade scroll and border engraving on a lined background with zig-zag borders. The hammer is decorated with the same scroll and border engraving, a hound's head motif and has fine hand knurling on the spur. All of the screw heads have detailed engraving. Punch-marks below the serial numbers on the trigger guard and back strap indicate that the revolver was designated by Colt for engraving and special finish. The five-shot cylinder is roll-engraved with the Stagecoach Holdup scene and "COLTS/PATENT" markings. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped "-ADDRESS SAML COLT/NEW YORK CITY-" in two lines. "COLTS/PATENT" is stamped in block letters on the left side of the frame. The serial number "12329" is located on the loading lever, barrel lug, frame, trigger guard, back strap and cylinder. All of the serial numbers match. "229" is stamped on the underside of the barrel just in front of the lug. The revolver has a blued barrel and cylinder, color casehardened loading lever, frame and hammer; and silver plated trigger guard and back strap. The well-figured, one-piece walnut grip has a high polish piano finish. The revolver is housed within in standard Colt mahogany case. The case has five compartments lined with red velvet and contains a full set of accessories which include: (1) 100 count tin of Eley percussion caps for "Colts Pistols", (2) blued iron, straight leg, double cavity bullet mold marked "COLTS/PATENT" on the sprue cutter and "31CAL" on the right block, (3) pocket pistol powder flask with fixed charger embossed on both sides with "COLTS/PATENT" above an eagle grasping a revolver and flask, (4) L-shaped combination screwdriver/nipple wrench (5) two sealed packets of Hazards combustible cartridges and (6) key.

Very fine. This revolver is all original and retains 75% of the original blue, casehardened and silver plated finish. The deeply cut and flawlessly executed scroll and border engraving is sharp. The high polish blue finish on the barrel is thin, and there are several small spots of shallow pitting on the barrel flats. The cylinder has nearly all of the Stagecoach Holdup scene. There are several spots of surface discoloration on the rear of the cylinder, and the percussion nipples show some light flash pitting. All of the cylinder safety pins remain. The case colors on the loading lever, frame and hammer have faded to a silver-blue patina. The face of the hammer shows traces of flash pitting. 98% of the original silver plated finish remains on the trigger guard and back strap. The walnut grip is in very good condition with nearly all of the high polish piano finish and a few very minor handling marks. The action functions perfectly. The case has a repaired hairline crack in the lid but remains in very good overall condition. The red velvet lining has faded slightly but is in very good condition. The only significant wear is compression marks from the revolver cylinder and butt. The cap tin, bullet mold and nipple wrench/screwdriver are all in very good condition. The powder flask is in excellent condition and retains nearly all of the brown lacquer finish on the body. Both cartridge packets are sealed and remain in excellent condition. This is an outstanding example of a factory cased Colt Baby Dragoon revolver with special, exhibition grade factory engraving. This revolver was specially manufactured to display the quality of Colt firearms to a British market accustomed to handmade firearms. It is impeccably documented and featured in "The Art of the Gun" which showcases the best known examples of Colt firearms. Provenance: Robert M. Lee Collection.