This stunning revolver was manufactured in 1856 and factory engraved by Master Engraver Gustave Young with his early Germanic scrollwork on a punch-dot background. Entwined in the delicate scrollwork on the left side of the barrel lug and left side of the frame are two of Young's signature wolf heads. The hammer is also engraved with Young's stylized wolf head motif. Five dots are present on the top of hammer denoting extent of the work performed by Young. The top of the barrel is engraved: "SAML COLT" in Old English letters surrounded by scrollwork flourishes. "COLTS/PATENT" is hand engraved on the left side of the frame surrounded by scrollwork. The serial numbers on the barrel lug and frame are framed by cross-hatching, and the serial number on the back strap is enclosed in an engraved ribbon. The full serial number, "124506," is stamped on the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard, back strap and cylinder. The partial serial number "4506" is stamped on the lever. All of the visible serial numbers match. The screw heads are engraved. The five-shot cylinder is roll-engraved with the stagecoach hold-up scene and "COLTS PATENT". The barrel and cylinder are blued, and the loading lever, frame and hammer are color casehardened. The brass trigger guard and backs trap are silver plated. The one-piece walnut grip has a high polish "piano" finish. "K.Heinzen." is inscribed on the back strap. Though not documented, this suggests the revolver was owned by revolutionary German-American author Karl Heinzen (1809-1880). He fled to the U.S. from persecution in Prussia in 1847 but returned briefly to participate in the failed revolutionary uprisings in 1848. He then established himself as an editor and publisher. The "Pioneer" in Louisville from 1853-1859 and then Boston until 1879 was his primary soapbox. His pro-democracy views combined with other like minded German-Americans were known as the "Louisville Platform." Among their more radical ideas was the abolition of both the U.S. Presidency and the U.S. Senate in favor of a stronger House of Representatives, the most democratic portion of the U.S. Government. They were also staunchly anti-slavery. Unlike many of his contemporaries, he strongly believed in equal rights for women. His views would have made him many enemies, especially while living in Kentucky, and an 1849 Pocket would have been an excellent choice for self-defense; one engraved by a fellow German-American would have been especially proper. The revolver is complete with a mahogany, American style case with five compartments lined with yellow felt. The case contains: brass, double cavity bullet mold marked "COLTS/PATENT" across the top of the blocks, nickel plated magazine for percussion caps with hinged top, tin for 100 J. Goldmark's percussion caps with green paper label, L-shaped combination screwdriver/nipple wrench, and brass powder flask with fixed charger embossed with an eagle and shield on both sides.

Fine. The revolver retains 40% of the high polish blue and casehardened finish and has a dark patina with scattered surface discoloration. The cylinder retains nearly all of the roll-engraved hold-up scene. There is flash pitting on the rear face of the cylinder, percussion nipples and the sides of the hammer. The tip of the hammer is broken, and the rear face of the cylinder is battered. The back strap and trigger guard have about 80% of the silver plated finish present. The engraving is crisp and deep, particularly on the trigger guard and back strap. The walnut grip is in very good condition and retains 85% or more of the high polish piano finish. The case exterior is in very good condition with only light handling wear. The case interior is in fair condition; the lining is stained, faded and dirty; one partition is loose. The bullet mold and combination tool are in good condition and original to the case. The cap magazine and cap tin are period but not original to the case. The powder flask is in good overall condition but is not a Colt flask and may not be original to this casing. This is a fine example of a Gustave Young factory deluxe engraved Colt Model 1849 Pocket revolver with Colt case and period accessories.