The serial number falls between the ranges in the "4 inch" columns on the June 3 and September 23 lists for work from Gustave Young's shop suggesting this revolver would have been engraved in the summer of 1854. The style of the engraving is consistent with other examples from Gustave Young's shop in 1854, including the use of rayed designs on the bottom of the barrel lug and shoulders of the back strap. Much of the engraving on this revolver matches or is similar to the engraving on examples off the identified lists noted above recently sold by RIAC. The masterfully executed engraving covers 2/3s of the barrel, essentially all of the frame, the side flats on the loading lever, the side of the hammer, and parts of the trigger guard and back strap. The barrel has the hand engraved "Saml Colt" marking with engraved line accents and a brass post front sight. A cat's head is "biting" at the loading lever screw on the left side of the barrel, and "2" marks are on the lower left side of the barrel lug. The frame also has the hand engraved "COLTS/PATENT" mark. The hammer has the dog's head design on the sides and a scale pattern on the top. There are some checkered panels on the frame and back strap edges by the hammer well and by the serial number on the bottom of the barrel and frame. The factory "dot" mark for arms designated for embellishment is found by the lower serial numbers. Matching numbers are found on the wedge, arbor pin, cylinder, loading lever, barrel, frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The trigger guard also has an "S" on the left side. The revolver has a pair of period pearl grips. The case contains a small eagle powder flask, Eley cap tin, a blued double cavity mold, and some projectiles.

Fine with crisp engraving and markings, 85% plus original silver plating remaining on the trigger guard and back strap and exhibiting attractive aged patina, 30% original blue remaining mainly on the barrel, strong case colors in some of the protected areas,and mostly smooth gray and brown patina on the balance along with some isolated minor pitting. The grips are also fine and have attractive natural tones and iridescence and minor lower edge war. Mechanically fine. The refinished, relined case is very good with mild wear including some scrapes on the exterior and some loose dividers. The mold is refinished and has some light pitting. The other accessories are very good and have mild age and storage wear. This is a beautiful Colt Model 1849 Pocket Revolver with excellent engraving from Gustave Young's shop early in his career as an engraver for Colt.