General Specs: Colt, Year 1852, .31, 26.2oz Serial Number: 54579 This 1852 manufactured Colt 1849 Pocket revolver is configuration with a 6" barrel chambered for .31 caliber ball. Given its exquisite ornamentation by the renown engraver, Gustav Young, we can easily imagine that this gun was purchased as a presentation gun. It has a brass pin front sight and is engraved "SAML COLT". Left side of frame is engraved in a ribbon "COLTS PATENT". The trigger guard is silver plated brass, as is the backstrap which holds a one piece Deluxe Walnut Burl grip, the backstrap channel carries the last three serial digits. Frame and recoil shield have full coverage deluxe engraving by Gustav Young, consisting of intertwined foliate arabesque patterns with punch dot background and several scrolls terminating in blooming flowers. The engraving extends over the barrel lug and onto the rammer pivot plate and the wavy line borders on the barrel lug faces are part of extra grade of decoration that is denoted by the small dots near each serial number; guns so marked would get special attention from the engraving and finishing rooms. A single scroll on the right hand side finishes in a Mr. Young's trademark dogs head. Top side flats of the octagonal barrel are engraved to match, tapering out after the pivot, the barrel crown has a simple border pattern. The upper portion of the back strap has Mr. Young's distinctive fan motif with more folate patterns down the back strap, butt strap and trigger guard while the front strap remains clear of engraving. All screw heads and pins are engraved with star bursts and appear finished with Colt's fire blue. The five shot cylinder is roll marked with a Stagecoach holdup scene with Colt's Patent marking and matching serial number showing about 65% with some lite dents and wear; all five cylinder nipples and safety pins are in good order. The overall fine condition of this pistol includes the barrel, wedge, rammer handle - all with a matching patina with dark case colors while the pivot, frame and hammer retain similar color. The cylinder has a smooth brown patina overall with some fine pits on the leading edge. As can be expected there is some pitting on the hammer nose and inner edge. The trigger guard and backstrap retains about 95% of its silver plating with most loss on edges and the backstrap toe. Mechanically the gun is in fine working order with a strong mainspring and timed cylinder rotation. The bore exhibits strong rifling with some pitting. The one piece deluxe burl walnut grips have almost all of the original varnish remaining with some wear on the bottom edges. Overall a delightful gun that was given extra attention when receiving its extra fancy engraving and finishes, it will be a great addition to your Colt collection. Barrel Length: 6"**** Bores: Very good, strong rifling**** % Blue: Mostly brown patina**** Sights: Front gold bead, rear hammer V notch**** Action: Single action only percussion revolver**** Receiver Condition: Patina**** Screws: Very good**** Trigger Type: Single-crisp**** Grips Type: One piece deluxe burl walnut**** Call us for full details or to purchase. If you have any questions please call or email us. Thanks! Vintage Firearms Inc PLEASE SEE MY OTHER FINE VINTAGE FIREARMS. Just open one of my ads and click on the line that says “see all items from this seller” and a very nice list of fine sporting and collectible arms will appear.
