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LOT 275
Outstanding Well-Documented Factory Engraved Colt Model 1849 Pocket Percussion
Revolver with Ivory Grip and Rare Contour Lined Case, Featured in “The Colt Engraving
Book, Volume One” - Serial no. 180720, 31 cal., 4 inch octagon bbl., blue/casehardened/silver
finish, ivory grips. This outstanding Colt Model 1849 Pocket revolver was manufactured in 1860
just prior to the American Civil War, while Gustave Young’s shop was Colt’s main contractor for
engraving. It features the classic Gustave Young type fine floral scroll engraving with beaded
backgrounds and animal mask and foliate accents popularized by Young and other German
trained engravers working for Colt in the 1850s and 1860s. The “COLTS/PATENT” marking is
inscribed among the scrollwork on the left rather than the usual stamped marking, with the
standard type “-ADDRESS SAML COLT/HARTFORD CT.-” on top of the barrel. Matching visible
full serial numbers marked on the barrel, frame, cylinder, trigger guard, wedge, and butt, with
matching “0720” on the loading lever. The factory punchdot marking designating the revolver
for engraving and/or special finishing is marked above or below the main serial numbers. The
back strap has a blank inscription section. Wearing an attractive period ivory grip. Includes
a hardwood case with rare contour fitted felt lined interior containing a Colt’s patent eagle
powder flask, blued two cavity bullet mold marked “31 PKt” on the side and “COLT’S/PATENT”
on the sprue cutter, “L” shaped combination tool, and an Eley Bro’s cap tin. This exact revolver is
featured with it’s contour case on page 110 of “The Colt Engraving Book, Volume One”
by R.L. Wilson.
CONDITION: Excellent, retains 95% plus bright original high polish blue finish on the barrel,
85% plus on the cylinder, 97% vivid original case colors on the frame, hammer, and loading
lever, 95% original silver plated finish on the trigger guard and back strap,
and an absolutely sharp cylinder scene and engraving overall. Retains all of its
original cylinder safety pins, with zero flash evidence around the percussion
nipples and nearly all of the original blue finish inside the cylinder chambers.
Grip is also excellent, with attractive natural patina, one very small age line
at the upper left, tight fitment, minimal handling evidence, and crisp edges.
Mechanically excellent. Case and accessories are very fine. This is a stunning
example of a beautifully factory engraved Colt Model 1849 Pocket
complete with a rare contour case and accessories.
Provenance: The Martin J. Lane Collection; The Greg Lampe Collection.
Estimate: 35,000 - 55,000
As pictured & described in The
Colt Engraving Book, Vol. I
by Wilson
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