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LOT 3249
Cased Factory Master Engraved and Full-Silver Plated Colt Model 1849 Pocket
Percussion Revolver with Attractive Raised Relief Carved Antique Ivory Grip -
Serial no. 96941, 31 cal., 4 inch octagon bbl., silver finish, carved ivory grips. This Colt
Model 1849 Pocket revolver was manufactured in 1854 around the same time that Master Engraver Gustave
Young became Colt’s primary engraving contractor. Gustave Young and his shop were key in establishing this
style of engraving at Colt. Several Model 1849 Pocket revolvers in the 96900-97000 serial number range are listed
on the famous Gustave Young billing list from September 23, 1854, including this revolver’s predecessor 96940
and the consecutive 96942, so the revolver was mostly likely engraved that same month. It features a very rare
full silver-plated finish on the metal and beautiful scroll engraving incorporating a bear/wildcat mask above the
loading lever screw on the left, the dog/wolf head motif on the hammer, floral accents, presentation style “Saml
Colt” inscription in place of the barrel address, “COLTS/PATENT” inscribed on the left side of the frame, rayed
patterns at the base of the barrel lug and top strap and crosshatched panels at the serial numbers on barrel and
frame. The stagecoach holdup scene rolled on cylinder appears to have been further enhanced by the engraver.
The one-piece antique ivory grip features a raised relief carved eagle with olive branch and arrows in its claws
perched on a patriotic shield above a scroll reading “LIBERTY.”
Matching serial numbers are found throughout, and
the factory “dot” marking used to denote engraving and/or special finishing
is marked above the serial number on the barrel and below the serial numbers
on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The revolver comes in a very attractive
brass cornered figured walnut case with red velvet lining, a silvered eagle pattern powder flask, cartridge pack,
silver plated ball/bullet mold without a sprue cutter, blued combination tool, and Eley Bros. cap tin.
CONDITION: Very fine with 95% plus replated silver displaying light patination, some pitting on the hammer, crisp
engraving and markings, and minimal light handling and storage marks. The slightly undersized grip is very fine
and has distinct carving, minor handling wear, and very attractive natural aged tones. Mechanically excellent. The
relined case is very good and has minor age and storage related wear. The flask and mold retain the vast majority
of their replated silver finish and exhibit minor wear including a few dents on the flask.
Estimate: 15,000 - 25,000
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