Manufactured c. 1853 and factory engraved by Gustave Young. This engraving that was probably executed in 1854, is one of the earliest examples of Young's work. The revolver features Young's signature Germanic scroll engraving on a punch-dot background with animal heads concealed in the scrollwork on the left side of the barrel lug and frame, wolf-head motif on the hammer, and rayed ornaments on the corners of the barrel lug and back strap. The top barrel flat is engraved "Saml Colt" in Old English letters surrounded by engraved flourishes. "COLTS/PATENT" is hand engraved in an arch on the left side of the frame. All of the screws are decorated with hand engraving. A punch-mark struck above or below the serial number on the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard and back strap. This mark indicates the component was designated by the factory for engraving or special finish. The cylinder is roll-engraved with the Stagecoach Holdup scene and "COLTS PATENT". The full serial number is stamped on the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard, back strap and cylinder. "2" is stamped above the serial number on the barrel lug and cylinder. The loading lever is stamped with the partial serial number "2710". All of the visible serial numbers match. The barrel and cylinder have the Colt high polish blue finish. The loading lever, frame and hammer are color case-hardened and the trigger guard and back strap are silver-plated. The trigger is fire blue. The revolver has two-piece pearl grips. Pearl grips are extremely rare on Colt percussion revolvers. The revolver is complete with a mahogany, American style case with five compartments and brass bound edges. The inside edge of the case bottom is stamped: "MANUFACTURED/SOLELY BY W.KIDDER." in two lines followed by "PATENT APR 1854" in one line. The case is lined in dark blue velvet embossed with a floral pattern design. The case contains a silver-plated Pocket Model powder flask with fixed charger embossed on both sides with "COLTS/PATENT" and an eagle clutching a revolver and powder flask in its talons, a 100 count tin of French percussion caps and a key.

Excellent. This revolver is all original. The cylinder has nearly all of the Stagecoach scene present. All of the safety pins are present and the percussion nipples show minimal flash pitting. The cylinder has some wear on the front and rear edges and retains 85% of the original high polish blue finish. The loading lever and frame retain 95% plus of the casehardened finish. The hammer has some discoloration near the face, and retains 90% of the case colors. The trigger guard and back strap have a pleasant patina and 95% of the delicate silver-plated finish remains. The flawlessly rendered Germanic scroll engraving on the barrel, loading lever, frame, hammer, trigger guard and back strap is extremely sharp. The pearl grips are in excellent condition with minimal age discoloration. 60% of the nitre blue finish remains on the trigger. The action is tight and functions well. The case exterior is in good overall condition with scattered minor handling and storage marks. The shield-shaped lock escutcheon and the lower right brass trim piece are absent. The velvet interior lining is in very fine overall condition with minimal fading. Wear is limited to one small tear in the lid lining from contact with the revolver hammer, and fading and compression marks from contact with the muzzle, cylinder and butt. The Colts Patent powder flask is in excellent condition and retains nearly all of the tarnished, silver-plated finish. The cap tin has been opened but contains percussion caps and the paper label is 100% intact. This is an excellent example of a Gustave Young factory engraved Colt Model 1849 Pocket revolver with rarely encountered pearl grips and Kidder case.