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LOT 3203
Exceptional Presentation Cased Deluxe Factory Engraved, Silver Plated, and Inscribed Colt London Model 1849 Pocket Percussion Revolver - Serial no. 2846, 31 cal., 5
inch octagon bbl., silver finish, walnut grips. This incredible Colt 1849 Pocket dates
to 1854 in Colt’s London serial number range and has exhibition quality scroll and
floral engraving covering 75% plus of the visible surfaces aside from the cylinder which has the iconic stage coach hold-up scene. The fine scroll patterns even cover the majority of the loading lever. The “Colt’s Patent” marking
on the frame is inscribed in a banner in Old English style script. The
back strap is neatly inscribed with the initials “E M W.” The barrel
has a cone front sight and the “{ADDRESS COL. COLT/LONDON}”
address. The barrel and cylinder have the London proofs, and the
serial numbers are all matching. The factory dot marking is by the primary serial
numbers confirming the revolver was selected for special finishing. The grip is a
fancy grade walnut with a piano varnish finish. The English brass bound oak case
has “E.M.W.” inscribed in the same font on the central escutcheon, Colt’s loading and
cleaning directions label inside the lid, green baize lining, bullet, L combination tool, blued
Colt’s patent bullet mold, Eley Bros. cap tin, and bag shaped James Dixon & Sons powder flask. Similar engraving can bee seen on other London Colt revolvers, for examples see “Colonel Colt London: The History of Colt’s London Firearms, 1851-1857” by Joseph G. Rosa and R.L. Wilson’s books on Colt engraving. A ‘49 Pocket with essentially the same case and accessories can be seen on page 150-151 of the former as well as examples in Wilson’s books such as page 243 of “The Colt Engraving Book Volume 1.” Few examples have this degree of embellishment or remain in this high of condition.
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