Colt Model 1849 Pocket revolver manufactured in 1863. The revolver has a four-inch barrel with cone front sight and factory loading lever. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the late style legend "ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA". The five-shot cylinder is roll-engraved with the stagecoach holdup scene and "COLTS PATENT" markings. The left side of the frame is stamped "COLTS/PATENT" in two lines. The letter "E" is stamped either above or below the serial number on the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard and back strap which indicates that the components were designated by the Colt factory for engraving or special finish. The full serial number "226277" is stamped on the bottom of the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard, back strap and side of the cylinder. The partial serial number "6277" is stamped on the loading lever. All of the visible serial numbers match. The revolver barrel and cylinder are blued, the loading lever, frame and hammer are color casehardened, and the brass trigger guard and back strap are silver plated. The barrel, sides of the loading lever, frame, trigger guard and back strap are engraved with intricate, relief cut, Germanic scrollwork on a punch-dot background. The hammer is engraved with a wolf head motif. This style engraving has traditionally been attributed to Gustave Young. Recent studies by Herbert G. Houze published in "COLT FACTORY ENGRAVERS OF THE 19th CENTURY" indicates that this revolver was probably engraved by Herman Bodenstein who was Colt's engraving contractor from 1858 until his death in 1865. Bodenstein's engraving style is nearly identical to Gustave Young. However, during the time period this revolver was engraved, Young's occupation was listed as "pistolmaker" rather than "engraver" in the Hartford City Directory, and Bodenstein was the Colt engraving contractor. The revolver is complete with a factory American style mahogany case and accessories. The case has five compartments and is lined with red velvet. The case contains: (1) American Flask & Cap Co. "Eagle Flask" with fixed charger embossed on both sides with a large eagle on a hummock below two stylized crossed pistols, (2) brass, straight leg, double cavity bullet mold stamped "COLTS/PATENT" across the top of the blocks, (3) L-shaped screwdriver/punch for M1911 pistol, (4) key and (5) post-Civil War tin of UMC percussion caps. Also included with the group is a letter and envelope with "Young Bros./Engravers" and Chicago, Illinois, address and 1884 postmark.

Fine. The revolver is all original and retains 30% plus of the bright original blue and color casehardened finish. The balance of the barrel, lever, frame and hammer have a smooth gray patina. There are traces of pitting on the left side of the barrel near the muzzle and some heavier flash pitting on the sides of the hammer. The cylinder retains nearly all of the roll-engraved scene with flash pitting on the face and percussion nipples. The cylinder pins are battered. Traces of the delicate silver plated finish remain in protected areas on the trigger guard and back strap; most of the brass components have a mellow aged patina. The flawlessly executed scroll engraving remains extremely sharp. The serial numbers and factory markings are crisp. The highly figured original walnut grip is excellent condition with minimal handling wear and close to 90% of the high polish finish remaining. The action is tight and functional. The case exterior is in fine condition and shows only limited handling and storage wear. The lining is faded and worn. There is a one-inch tear in the lid interior and smaller tears along the edges of the one of the replaced case partitions. The bottom of the case and lid lining have oil stains from contact with the revolver cylinder. The powder flask has a mustard patina and is in good overall condition, and the bullet mold is in good condition with spots of age discoloration and minor dents and scratches. The bullet mold is correct for the casing. The powder flask may be an original component. The screwdriver and cap tin are recent replacements. This is a fine example of a factory cased and engraved Colt Model 1849 Pocket revolver.