Manufactured in 1855. The revolver has an "apostrophe" stamped either above or below the main serial numbers that was utilized by Colt circa 1854 to identify parts for special finish or engraving and to denote guns with engraving. The engraving consists of heavy Germanic scrollwork on a punch dot background that was probably executed by Master Engraver Gustave Young. A hound's head is concealed in the scrollwork on the left side of the barrel lug, and an eagle's head is engraved in the scrollwork on the right side of the frame. The sides of the hammer are engraved with a wolf's head motif. The top of the barrel is engraved "Sam\L Colt" in Old English letters surrounded by double line borders with flourishes at either end. "COLTS/PATENT" is engraved in a downward curve on the left side of the frame. The serial numbers on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, and back strap have engraved borders. All of the screws are engraved. The back strap is inscribed "R. Ratcliff" in script. The cylinder has the stagecoach holdup scene and "COLTS PATENT." Matching numbers are on barrel lug, frame, trigger guard, butt, cylinder, loading lever, wedge and cylinder pin. Complete with a factory mahogany case with scalloped silver plate inlaid in the lid. The interior is lined with blue velvet and has five compartments. The case has features typical of Colt cases manufactured for the British market that include: lid with brass handle on bullet/cleaning rod compartment, fitting for cleaning rod, inlaid compartment for screwdriver/nipple wrench and Colt directions for loading and cleaning glued to the top of the lid. The case contains: .31 caliber conical bullets, steel cleaning rod with brass handle, L-shaped combination screwdriver/nipple wrench, iron double cavity bullet mold marked "COLT'S/PATENT" on the sprue cutter, ELEY/LONDON" cap tin, Pocket Model flask with fixed charger and embossed eagle with revolver on both sides (the flask lacks "COLT'S PATENT" markings and has brass lid screws), and key.

Very good plus. The barrel and cylinder have a smooth gray patina. Traces of the original blue finish remain on protected areas of the barrel. The case colors have faded to a silver-gray patina. The sides of the hammer, frame, hammer slot, and percussion nipples show moderate flash pitting. The trigger guard and back strap retain nearly 90% silver-plated finish with minor edge wear. The fine grip has a nice yellow age patina. Nearly 90% of the cylinder scene remains. The flawlessly executed engraving is crisp and deep. It is mechanically fine. The case exterior is good overall with scattered scratches and handling marks. The interior is good, and wear is confined mostly to oil stains and compression marks as well as minor tears in the instruction sheet from contact with revolver components. The case is an original Colt case but may not be original to this revolver. The accessories are good. The flask is a replacement. This is an attractive example of a cased, inscribed, factory engraved Colt Model 1849 Pocket Revolver.