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Barlow based on his prior work with Blunt & Syms in New York as discussed in “Colt Engravers of the Nineteenth Century” by Herbert G. Houze. Barlow is also credited with engraving the Colt Model 1851 Navy presented to General Franklin Pierce by Colt. The engraving covers the rear
1/3 of the barrel, the side flats of the loading lever arm, the frame, the hammer, the trigger guard bow, and the top and bottom of the
back strap. Most of the engraving consists of scroll engraving with more “feather” styling and tighter “donut scroll” designs than the work of the German engravers employed by Colt and has crosshatched backgrounds. The “COLTS/ PATENT” marking on the frame is inscribed within a banner, and “Saml Colt” is inscribed
on the top of the barrel. The revolver features standard cone and hammer notch sights, the stagecoach hold-up scene on the cylinder, matching serial numbers, the factory “.” marking by the main serial numbers denoting factory engraving, and a nicely figured and high polish
bright blue finish. The only real loss is a spot
on the upper left at the muzzle and some
light edge wear. The cylinder retains 80% plus original blue finish and has some minor fading to smooth brown patina and light edge wear. The casehardened components display a smoky French gray coloration. The grip is very fine and has the vast majority of the original varnish, minor lower edge wear, and light handling and storage marks. Mechanically excellent. The case and accessories are all very fine and have mild age related wear. The Colt Model 1849 Pocket was Colt’s most popular model in the 19th century and helped make Colt a household name. Early factory engraved revolvers like this one were used by Samuel Colt to enhance his company’s reputation and appeal to wealthy and influential customers. This ‘49 Pocket
is certainly one of the finest “donut scroll” engraved Colts extant.
Provenance: The Norm Vegely Collection. Estimate: 18,000 - 27,500
LOT 144
Exceptionally Fine Cased Early Production Factory Engraved Colt Model 1849 Pocket Percussion Revolver - Serial no. 52986, 31 cal., 5 inch octagon bbl., blue/casehardened/silver finish, highly figured walnut grips. This revolver was manufactured in 1852, the same year engraver Thomas J. Barlow contacted Samuel Colt about employment. He engraved for Colt for a brief period c. mid 1852- early 1854, and this style of engraving has been attributed to
varnish finished grip. It comes in a fitted case with several lead balls, an early style brass ball and bullet mold, Eley Bros. cap tin, cartridge pack, L-shaped combination screwdriver and nipple wrench, and a “COLTS/PATENT” double sided eagle powder flask.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine. The engraving and markings remain crisp. 98% plus of the original silver plating remains on the grip frame, and the silver exhibits an attractive dark aged patina. The barrel retains 90% of the original