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LOT 194
Exceptional Documented Cased Early Factory “Donut Scroll” Engraved Presentation
Colt Model 1849 Pocket Percussion Revolver Featured in “The Colt Engraving Book
Vol. 1” - Serial no. 39516, 31 cal., 6 inch octagon bbl., blue/casehardened/silver finish, deluxe
factory walnut grips. This beautiful revolver from 1852 is featured on page 51 of “The Book of
Colt Engraving, Volume 1” by R.L. Wilson and described as featuring the early factory “donut
scroll” style engraving used in the early 1850s prior to Gustave Young becoming Colt’s primary
engraving contractor. This style of engraving is believed to have been cut by Thomas J. Barlow
who engraved for Blunt & Syms in New York before coming to Hartford and engraving for
Colt briefly c. 1852-1854. While revolvers bearing this style of engraving are already scarce,
they are especially hard to find in this high of condition. The revolver features stunning scroll
engraving, a bestial mask design on the hammer, “SAML COLT” inscribed presentation barrel
address, “COLTs PATENT” inscribed in a banner formed by the scrollwork on the left side of
the frame, a brass cone front sight, hammer notch rear sight, matching visible serial numbers,
the factory “dot” marking above or below the main serial numbers designating the revolver
for engraving, and a varnished select walnut grip. It comes in a factory mahogany case with
burgundy velveteen lining, early “COLTS/PATENT” eagle powder flask, Eley Bros. cap tin, Colt
Cartridge Works cartridge pack, L-shaped combination tool, and lead balls and bullets.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine with crisp engraving throughout, 95% plus original high polish
blue finish on the barrel, 70% plus original blue remaining on the cylinder with some fading
to brown patina mainly on the crisp cylinder scene along with some light drag lines, 85% plus
original muted case colors, and 97% plus original silver plating remaining on the grip frame
with attractive aged patina. The hammer screw is an original Colt screw but is not engraved.
The grip is excellent and has essentially all of the original high gloss varnish and only minimal
light handling and storage marks. Mechanically excellent. The case and accessories are all very
fine and have generally only very minor age and storage related wear.
Provenance: The Peter Holder Collection; C.W. Slagle; The Greg Lampe Collection.
Estimate: 30,000 - 50,000
AS PICTURED AND
DESCRIBED IN THE
COLT ENGRAVING
BOOK, VOL. I BY
WILSON