The engraving on the revolver was almost certainly done by Master Engraver Gustave Young or his shop and is certainly his style, note particularly the animal among the scrollwork on the left side of the barrel, the inscribed "Saml Colt" in place of the usual barrel address, and the hand inscribed "COLTS/PATENT" in place of the usual stamped marking on the left side of the frame. The back strap is inscribed "J.D. Williams/to/Hon. Arthur B. Calef Oct 1855" in jeweler style script. The inscription is for Arthur Benjamin Calef (1825-1900), a lawyer and influential American Party (Know-Nothings) and later Republican from Middletown, Connecticut, who served as Connecticut State Treasurer in 1855-1856. He was also a delegate to Republican National Convention from Connecticut in 1860 and 1864 and served as postmaster at Middletown in 1861-1869 and had many business connections. His son of the same name also served in the later role. Joseph D. Williams (b. 1818) of Hartford, Connecticut, was also an influential man within Connecticut in the mid-19th century. He was paymaster colonel in the Connecticut militia and was appointed Adjutant General of the State of Connecticut in September 1855. Official records also indicate he continued to serve as a brigadier general and adjutant general for the state during the first two years of the Civil War. He was also a prominent local businessman. The cylinder has the standard stagecoach scene. Matching serial numbers are on the loading lever, wedge, arbor pin, cylinder, barrel, frame, trigger guard, and back strap, and the factory engraving dot is by the main serial number locations. The grip is a piece of finely figured walnut finished with high polish varnish. The revolver comes in a hardwood case fitted to the gun along with seven cartridge packs and a Colt patent dual cavity bullet mold.

Very fine as period refinished. 95% plus of the attractive blue finish remains. There is some slight pitting and minimal wear. 95% plus of the bright silver plating also remains and exhibits some slight aging and flaking. The engraving and markings remain crisp, and the safety pins remain solid. The cylinder has minor drag lines. The exceptional, highly figured varnished walnut grip retains essentially all of the bright varnish. Mechanically excellent. The case is fine and has moderate age and storage related wear. The cartridge packs are open and have some absent or replaced cartridges. The bullet mold is very good and has aged patina and minimal wear. Overall a highly attractive factory engraved Colt revolver presented by the Adjutant General to the State Treasurer in 1855.