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LOT 1229
Scarce Documented Cased Factory Engraved Colt Model 1849 Pocket Percussion Revolver from the Famous Gustave Young Engraving List - Serial no. 87320, 31 cal., 5 inch octagon bbl., blue/casehardened/silver finish, fancy walnut grips. This revolver was manufactured in 1854 and features classic Germanic floral scroll engraving on the barrel, loading lever, frame, hammer, and grip straps. This revolver would have been engraved towards the beginning of Gustave Young’s time engraving for Colt, and it
is listed at the bottom of the 5 inch column for the revolvers engraved by Young’s shop reproduced on page 93 of “The Colt Engraving Book Volume One” by R.L. Wilson. While many engraved Colt percussion revolvers are attributed to Young, this is one of the few that can be documented from his shop. Per Herbert Houze’s research, Young moved to Hartford shortly after arriving in the U.S. on June 4, 1853. Young served as Colt’s primary engraving contractor c. 1855-1858 before returning to German from
July 1858 to September 1861 and then returned to work for Colt as a “pistolmaker” before establishing an independent engraving business and then later becoming Smith & Wesson’s primary engraver. Over his career, he was responsible for many of the best engraved American firearms of
the 19th century, including masterpieces presented at the World’s Fairs. Using the “Young lists,” R.L. Wilson estimates Young had seven employees, and the few identified surviving revolvers from the lists have been used to identify Gustave Young’s style. Some of the revolvers on the lists are clearly at least in part the work of Young’s staff rather than Young himself, and comparing this revolver to others identified on the lists, such as sn. 90389 from Young’s list that was sold by Rock Island Auction Co. in May 2022, clearly demonstrates both similarities and differences in the engraving patterns. This revolver has more flower elements which Houze has noted as an attribute of Young’s work. For comparison, see the Model 1851 Navy on page 139 of “Colt Factory Engravers of the 19th Century” by Houze which features very similar patterns on the barrel and loading lever. Note for example the use of “rayed ornamentation” on the sides of the barrel lug at the bottom.
In addition to the incredible scroll and floral engraving, the revolver features a brass cone front sight, “Saml Colt” engraved on the top of the barrel in place of the usual barrel address, “COLTS/PATENT” engraved among the scrollwork on the left side of the frame rather than stamped,
the usual stagecoach scene and “COLTS PATENT” marking on the cylinder, all matching serial numbers on the various metal components, “4” by the serial number on the cylinder, dot markings denoting factory engraving by the lower serial numbers, and a nicely varnished and lightly figured one-piece grip. It comes in a fitted wood case with an iron mold, cap tin, cartridge pack, and double sided eagle flask.
CONDITION: Fine with mostly crisp engraving and markings, solid safety pins, 85% plus refinished blue finish remaining on the barrel and cylinder, strong plum finish on the loading lever and frame, 90% plus silver plating remaining on the grip straps, some mild pitting mainly on the cylinder, and generally minor age and storage related wear overall. The highly figured grip is very fine and has strong varnish finish, some minor dings and scratches, and generally minimal overall wear. Mechanically excellent. The case and flask are fine with mild wear. The bullet mold and cap tin are good. This revolver is a very attractive piece from Gustave Young’s shop in 1854. Very few firearms from the historic “Young lists” have survived, and this revolver will certainly be an exciting addition to any Colt or American arms collection.
Estimate: 12,000 - 18,000
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