Deluxe, cased, Colt Model 1849 Pocket revolver factory engraved by Gustave Young. Manufactured c. 1856 this deluxe revolver was probably intended as an exhibition piece (consignor notes with the revolver suggest that it may have been displayed at the 1856 Hartford Agricultural Society Fair). The barrel lug, frame, trigger guard and back strap all have an apostrophe stamped above or below the serial number. This mark was used by Colt from 1854-1861 to designate revolvers intended for engraving and ivory grips. The muzzle, barrel flats and lug, sides of the loading lever, frame, trigger guard and back strap are engraved with Gustave Young's distinctive Germanic scrollwork on a punch-dot background. The scrollwork on the left side of the barrel lug terminates in a stylized wolf head. The top barrel flat is engraved: "SAML COLT" in Old English letters surrounded by engraved, double-line flourishes. "COLTS/PATENT" is hand engraved in an arch on the left side of the frame. The screw heads and exposed portions of the barrel wedge all have engraved highlights. The hammer has fine knurling on the spur with a double line and dot border but lacks the wolf head motif typically found on Gustave Young engraved percussion revolvers. The revolver has a one-piece grip. The five-shot cylinder is roll-engraved with the Stagecoach Holdup scene and "COLTS PATENT". The full serial number is stamped on the bottom of the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard and back strap and on the side of the cylinder below the "COLTS PATENT" marking. The loading lever is stamped with the partial serial number "5962". All of the visible serial numbers match. The barrel, cylinder, trigger guard and back strap have the Colt high polish blue finish, the loading lever, frame and hammer are casehardened. Blued steel trigger guards and back straps are rarely encountered on engraved Model 1849 Pocket revolvers. The revolver is complete with a polished rosewood, French fitted, case. The case has a deep green velvet lining with burgundy velvet trim. The case contains: (1) a floral style, copper, brass mounted, powder and ball flask with fixed charger, (2) L-shaped, combination, screw-driver/nipple wrench, (3) brass, straight leg, double cavity, bullet mold marked "COLTS/PATENT" across the top of the blocks (4) packet of six Hazard's combustible envelope cartridges for Colt's revolving pocket pistol and (5) assortment of .31 caliber round balls and conical bullets. This revolver is illustrated and described in detail on pages 180-181 of "MAGNIFICENT COLTS VOLUME I" by Robert M Lee and R.L. Wilson and was the first acquisition by Robert M. Lee that inspired him to assemble one of the finest collectable firearms collections. This revolver was also formerly part of the Jerry Berger and Larry Sheerin collections.

Very fine. The highly detailed Germanic scrollwork, hand-engraved barrel legend and patent markings are extremely sharp. The barrel and cylinder retains 60% plus of the original high polish blue finish. Nearly all of the cylinder scene remains. The rear edges of the cylinder show bright steel with some battering on the edges of the nipple cut-outs. The percussion nipples have moderate-heavy flash pitting and the cylinder pins are battered. Traces of blue finish remain on protected areas of the trigger guard and back strap; the balance of the trigger guard and back strap have a smooth, dove-gray, patina. The loading lever and frame retain 50% of the muted case colors with traces of silvering on contact points. The case colors on the exposed portions of the hammer have silvered with a few spots of age discoloration; the face and inner portion of the hammer have a dark patina with moderate-heavy flash pitting. The grip has yellowed slightly and has a few scattered dents and remains in very fine condition. The cylinder rotates slightly out of time when the hammer is cocked. The rosewood case and accessories remain in fine condition. The case exterior has some light scratches and the heart-shaped brass lock escutcheon has been removed from the side of the case. The green velvet lining remains in fine condition; wear is limited to compression marks from contact with the revolver cylinder. The powder and ball flask is in very good condition and retains 70% of the brown lacquer finish on the body. The screw-driver/nipple wrench has 80% of the blue finish. The bullet mold is in excellent condition with an exceptionally attractive aged patina and crisp markings. The cartridge packet is sealed and in nearly new condition. This is an exceptional example of an exhibition grade, cased, Colt Model 1849 Pocket revolver with factory engraving by arguably the best 19th century Colt engraver. Provenance: Robert M. Lee Collection