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LOT 1222
Cased Factory Engraved Colt Model 1849 Pocket Percussion Revolver - Serial no. 104784, 31 cal., 4 inch octagon bbl., blue/
casehardened/gold finish, antique ivory grips. This revolver was manufactured in 1855 when Gustave
Young is believed to have become Colt’s primary engraving contractor and displays the beautiful Germanic scroll engraving Young is famous for. The left side of the barrel also incorporates a detailed floral bloom, and the use of rayed ornamentation and
floral blooms are attributes associated with Young’s work for Colt
in the mid-1850s. The engraving is featured on the breech half of the barrel, the sides of the loading lever, all of the frame, the sides of
the hammer, and onto the grip straps. The hammer has the classic wolf’s head motif. While
standard finish on these revolver was silver plating on the grip straps, this revolver’s grip
straps were gilded. As with many identified Gustave Young engraved Colts, the barrel has
“Saml Colt” inscribed in place of the usual barrel address, and “COLTS/PATENT” is inscribed
among the engraving on the left side of the frame instead of the usual stamped marking.
The barrel also features a brass cone front sight and a “6” on the left side of the lug. The
cylinder has the standard stagecoach scene and patent markings. The serial numbers on
the loading lever, wedge, arbor pin, cylinder, barrel, frame, trigger guard, and back strap match, and the factory apostrophe marking used on arms designated for engraving is marked by the lower serial numbers, and a “4” is also marked by number on the frame and trigger guard. The revolver comes in a close fitted hardwood case with a “COLTS/PATENT” eagle powder flask, brass mold without sprue cutter, cap tin,
L-shaped combination tool, and key.
CONDITION: Very good with a crisp engraving, mix of gilt 40% finish and aged patina on the grip straps, traces of original blue and casehardened finish, gray patina on the balance, some mild pitting mainly on the cylinder, and mild wear. The slightly age shrunken grip is fine and has attractive natural tones and grain. Mechanically excellent. The relined case and accessories are very good and have mild age and storage related wear, including a
crack in the case lid.
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
LOT 1223
Documented London Agency Shipped Cased Colt
Model 1851 Navy Percussion Revolver with Factory
Letter - Serial no. 125897, 36 cal., 7 1/2 inch octagon bbl.,
blue/casehardened finish, walnut grips. This revolver was
manufactured in 1862 for the English market and has the
iron grip straps and the London proof and view marks on
the barrel and cylinder. The included factory letter lists it
as one of 24 guns of this type shipped on June 23, 1862,
to Colt’s London Agency with “Blue/Iron” finish. The barrel
has a brass cone front sight and the “-ADDRESS COL. SAML
COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-” address. The frame has the
standard patent marking. The cylinder has the Naval Battle
of Campeche scene. Matching serial numbers are found
on the wedge, cylinder, loading lever, barrel, frame, trigger
guard, and back strap. The revolver comes in an English style
fitted case with a loading and cleaning label inside the lid,
cleaning rod, L-shaped combination tool, oiler, cap tin, and
large back shaped flask.
CONDITION: Very good with 40% original case colors, 20%
original blue, smooth brown patina on the balance, crisp
cylinder scene and markings, small casting flaws in the
frame, and minor overall wear. The grip is fine and has
strong original finish, minor edge wear, and light dings and
scratches. Mechanically fine. The case and accessories are
fine and have fairly minor age and storage related wear such as
192 some scrapes and dings. Estimate: 3,000 - 4,500