This factory engraved revolver was manufactured in 1860 and was almost certainly engraved by Master Engraver Gustave Young's shop, possibly all or in part by Young himself. Young was Colt's main engraving contractor in the 1850s and 1860s. Note the dog among the engraving on the left side of the barrel, the floral accents in the scrolls, and the wolf hammer motif that are characteristic of Young's work. It also has the script "Saml Colt" inscription hand engraved on the barrel rather than the roll stamped barrel address. This inscription style is also typical of Young engraved Colt revolvers. The revolver also features a dovetailed blade front sight, "COLTS/PATENT" stamped on the left side of the frame in an open panel among the scrolls, the standard stagecoach scene and patent marking on the cylinder, the apostrophe mark by the serial numbers on the frame and grip straps used by the factory c. 1854-1861 to designate guns selected for factory engraving and special grips, and matching partial or full serial numbers on the barrel, loading lever, wedge, cylinder, arbor pin, frame, trigger guard, and butt. The case contains the revolver, a cap tin, brass bullet mold, and eagle powder flask.

Fine with crisp markings and engraving, 60% plus original blue on the barrel and 70% casehardened finish on the frame, mostly smooth gray and brown patina where the finish is fading, 50% original silver plating, aged patina on the silver and the exposed brass, gray and brown patina on the balance of the steel, minor oxidation, and general mild wear. The cylinder is reblued with light pitting visible under the blue. The grip is very fine and has mild handling wear, attractive natural tones and grain, a slight chip at the toe on the right, and minor scratches. Mechanically excellent. The case is good and has an absent key hole escutcheon, light scratches and dings on the exterior, cracked dividers, some dividers absent, and some tears, mild fading and compression wear on the lining. The accessories are very good and have mild storage wear. This is a beautiful revolver engraved right before the outbreak of the Civil War for the Colt factory.