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LOT 1189
Fantastic Deluxe Cased Factory Engraved Early Production Colt Model 1849 Pocket Percussion Revolver - Serial no. 43639, 31 cal., 5 inch octagon bbl., blue/casehardened/silver finish, walnut grips. This stunning early Colt Model 1849 Pocket was manufactured in 1852 and features the early Hartford factory “donut scroll” engraving style attributed to Thomas J. Barlow who engraved for Colt c. mid- 1852 to early 1854 after previously working for Blunt & Syms in New York City (see “Colt Factory Engravers of the Nineteenth Century” by Houze). The engraving consists of very circular scroll patterns with some feather-like detailing on the rear third of the barrel, flats of the loading lever arm, essentially all of the frame, most of the hammer along with a bestial mask, and on the trigger guard and back strap along with wavy line borders and some areas of light crosshatching. The barrel is inscribed with“Saml Colt”in script, and the“COLT’S/
PATENT” marking is engraved on the left side of the frame in a banner formed by the scrolls. The factory “dot” marking is stamped above or below the matching serial numbers on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, and backstrap. All of the visible serial numbers match. The barrel has a brass cone front sight. The cylinder has the classic stagecoach roll scene and patent marking. The revolver comes in
a closely fitted hardwood case with brass corner binding. The case contains a powder flask, L-shaped combination tool, ball/bullet mold, Eley Bros. cap tin, a few balls and bullets, and a key. This beautiful cased set was sold by well-respected dealer and collector Herb Glass in 1984 and includes a letter from him describing the revolver and noting that “Many collectors never acquire a ‘Donut Scroll’ engraved Colt at all, let alone a deluxe French recessed casing in lovely condition. This exciting outfit will provide you with many years of enjoyment.”That statement certainly rings true forty years later!
CONDITION: Extremely fine with 90% plus original finish, including 98% of the original silver plating which display attractive aged patina. The only notable wear is a large patch of moderate pitting and some light drag lines on the cylinder. The engraving remains crisp throughout. The highly figured grip is excellent and retains nearly all of the original glossy “piano varnish” finish and has some minor lower edge wear and faint handling and storage marks. Mechanically excellent. The accessories are also extremely fine and generally have only minimal storage wear. The case is very fine and has a few minor dings and thing cracks in the exterior and minor age and contact wear on the interior. Overall, this is a beautiful cased set demonstrating the rare and early style of Colt factory engraving from the early 1850s.
Provenance: Herb Glass; Property of a Gentleman.
Estimate: 15,000 - 25,000
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