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LOT 3265
Stunning Cased
Factory Engraved
Colt Model 1849
Pocket Percussion
Revolver - Serial no. 94601, 31 cal., 5 inch octagon bbl., blue/casehardened/silver finish, highly
figured walnut grips. This beautiful factory engraved revolver was manufactured in 1854, while Gustave
Young’s shop was Colt’s primary 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 fine engraving includes a wolf
head on the left side of the barrel and on the sides of the hammer. The “COLTS/PATENT” marking
is inscribed in an arch among the scrollwork on the left rather than the usual stamped marking,
and the presentation hand engraved “Saml Colt” inscription is on top of the barrel in place of
the standard barrel address. Matching visible full serial numbers marked on the barrel, frame,
cylinder, trigger guard, and butt, with matching “4601” on the loading lever. The factory dot
marking designating the revolver for engraving is marked above or below the main serial
numbers. The back strap has a blank inscription section. Wearing an attractive deluxe
walnut grip. Includes a walnut case with maroon felt lined fitted interior containing an
array of proper accessories including a “COLTS/PATENT” marked eagle powder flask, brass
two cavity .31 caliber bullet mold marked “COLT’S/PATENT” on the iron sprue cutter, blued
“L” shaped combination tool, two 5-count packs of combustible Colt Pocket cartridges, two
loose cartridges, lead balls, J. Goldmark cap tin, and a key.
CONDITION: Extremely fine, retains 95% bright original high polish blue finish on the barrel,
70% plus on the cylinder with some very minor flash pitting, 50% slightly muted original case
colors on the frame and hammer, 95% original silver plated finish on the trigger guard and back strap
with a natural lightly aged appearance, and an absolutely sharp cylinder scene and engraving overall.
Grip is very fine as revarnished, with attractive grain, minimal handling marks, tight fitment, and crisp
edges. Mechanically excellent. Case is very fine, with some light age related storage marks on the
interior, and accessories are fine to very fine. This is a beautiful example of an extraordinarily fine
factory engraved Colt Model 1849 Pocket complete with case and accessories.
Provenance: The George S. Lewis Jr. Collection.
Estimate: 25,000 - 37,500
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