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LOT 273
Cased Gustave Young Factory Engraved Colt Model 1849 Pocket Percussion Revolver with Inscription -
Serial no. 124506, 31 percussion cal., 5 inch octagon bbl., blue/casehardened/silver finish, varnished walnut grips.
This revolver was manufactured in 1856 and factory engraved by Master Engraver Gustave Young with his early
Germanic scrollwork on a punch-dot background. Entwined in the delicate scrollwork on the left side of the barrel
lug and left side of the frame are two of Young’s signature wolf heads. The hammer is also engraved with Young’s
stylized wolf head motif. Five dots are present on the top of hammer denoting extent of the work performed by
Young. The top of the presentation barrel is hand engraved: “SAML COLT” in Old English letters surrounded by
scrollwork flourishes. “COLTS/PATENT” is hand engraved on the left side of the frame surrounded by scrollwork.
The serial numbers on the barrel lug and frame are framed by cross-hatching, and the serial number on the
back strap is enclosed in an engraved ribbon. The full serial number is stamped on the barrel lug, frame, trigger
guard, back strap and cylinder. The partial serial number “4506” is stamped on the lever. All of the visible serial
numbers match. The screw heads are engraved. The five-shot cylinder is roll-engraved with the stagecoach
hold-up scene and “COLTS PATENT”. The barrel and cylinder are blued, and the loading lever, frame and hammer
are color casehardened. The brass trigger guard and backs trap are silver plated. The one-piece walnut grip has
a high polish “piano” finish. “K.Heinzen.” is inscribed on the back strap. Though not documented, this suggests
the revolver was owned by revolutionary German-American author Karl Heinzen (1809-1880). He fled to the U.S.
from persecution in Prussia in 1847 but returned briefly to participate in the failed revolutionary uprisings in
1848. He then established himself as an editor and publisher. The “Pioneer” in Louisville from 1853-1859 and then
Boston until 1879 was his primary soapbox. His pro-democracy views combined with other like minded German-
Americans were known as the “Louisville Platform.” Among their more radical ideas was the abolition of both the
U.S. Presidency and the U.S. Senate in favor of a stronger House of Representatives, the most democratic portion
of the U.S. Government. They were also staunchly anti-slavery. Unlike many of his contemporaries, he strongly
believed in equal rights for women. His views would have made him many enemies, especially while living in
Kentucky, and an 1849 Pocket would have been an excellent choice for self-defense; one engraved by a fellow
German-American would have been especially appropriate. The revolver is complete with a mahogany, American
style case with five compartments lined with yellow felt. The case contains: brass, double cavity bullet mold
marked “COLTS/PATENT” across the top of the blocks, nickel plated magazine for percussion caps with hinged
top, tin for 100 J. Goldmark’s percussion caps with green paper label, L-shaped combination screwdriver/nipple
wrench, and brass powder flask with fixed charger embossed with an eagle and shield on both sides.
CONDITION: Fine. The revolver retains 30% of the original high polish blue, casehardened finish has a dark patina
with scattered surface discoloration. The cylinder retains nearly all of the scene. There is flash pitting on the
rear face of the cylinder, percussion nipples and the sides of the hammer. The tip of the hammer is broken, and
the rear face of the cylinder is battered. The back strap and trigger guard retain 80% of the silver plated finish
present. The engraving is crisp and deep, particularly on the trigger guard and back strap. The grip is very good
and retains 85% of the high polish piano finish. The case exterior is very good with only light handling wear.
Mechanically fine. The case interior is in fair condition; the lining is stained, faded and dirty; one partition is loose.
The bullet mold and combination tool are in very good condition. The cap magazine and cap tin are also in good
condition. The powder flask is good overall. This is a fine example of a Gustave Young factory deluxe engraved
Colt Model 1849 Pocket revolver with Colt case and period accessories.
Estimate: 12,000 - 18,000