Original Item: One of a Kind. Gustave Young is generally considered to be the best Master Arms Engraver operating in the United States during the 1800s. Born in Germany during 1827, Young came to the United States in the 1846, and would become Colt’s primary engraving contractor from 1852 into the mid 1860's. During this time he would mentor the then-apprentice Conrad Ulrich, leave Colt, and return to run his own shop full-time.

In the late 1860s, he then moved to Springfield, Massachusetts, where he began taking in work primarily from Smith & Wesson, while also continuing to service many of his previous clients. There are examples of Gustave Young’s hand on Colts, Smith & Wessons, Sharps, Bullards, Peabody and Martinis, and even some Winchesters. He practiced his craft until his death in 1895, and was succeeded by his sons Eugene and Oscar, who would continue his work with Smith & Wesson until 1913.

This is a fantastic Colt Model 1849 Pocket Percussion Revolver in .31 caliber, which was engraved from the factory by Gustave Young. This is only the fourth time we have ever had an example of one of these works of art, which are all truly one of a kind. It is decorated with his distinctive Germanic scrollwork, showing off his European training. As is correct for his work, the backgrounds between designs are the "punch dot" style, and there is also what looks to be the head of a large Wolf's Head on the left side of the barrel just over the loading rammer screw. The hammer has also been engraved on both sides to look like a Wolf's Head, another distinctive aspect of his style. Please examine the high resolution photos of the revolver, as words really cannot fully describe the engraving nor do his artistry justice.

The Colt "Pocket Percussion" Model 1849 revolvers in .31cal are essentially scaled down versions of the larger Navy Model 1851 in .36cal, and were developed concurrently. This lovely Young-engraved example is marked with Serial Number 80217 on the barrel, frame, cylinder, trigger guard, and grip frame, with shortened number 0217 on the loading rammer, barrel wedge, and cylinder arbor pin. This makes this a very desirable "ALL MATCHING" example of the M1849 Pocket revolver, without any parts swapped out over the years, and it's definitely a fantastic example!

The serial number indicates indicates the year of manufacture as 1853, only a few short years before the start of the U.S. Civil War, however a showpiece like this most likely did not see use during the conflict, especially given how little use it looks to have seen. This is also the exact right time frame for a Gustave Young revolver, and the engraving throughout the revolver is still crisp! Five shot percussion, .31 caliber with a 5" barrel, and is in nice tight condition with a very nice gray patina with just a bit of peppering in a few areas. The grip frame and trigger guard have a lovely look, with the factory engraving well retained, as well as almost all of the original nickel plating. We do not recall ever having another Colt revolver with this much of the original plating on the grips still present!

Additionally, there is still some of the original "Stagecoach Robbery" cylinder scene present, which is usually completely worn away. The "COLT'S PATENT / №" marking next to the serial number is however completely worn away. Some of the factory engraved revolvers would have the original stamps on the barrel and frame, however there were others that had these hand engraved, such as we can see on this example here: Gustave Young Engraved Colt M1851. Our example is marked in the identical fashion, with Sam"l Colt on the top of the barrel, and an engraved COLT'S PATENT on the left side of the frame. There is no "31CAL" marking on the trigger guard, which is not uncommon for this time period. The ivory grip has matured beautifully to a fantastic amber color, with the grain visible, and there is some discoloration near the frame from oxidation. There are some small chunks missing on the rear of the grip, but no major damage. We can see clear "Schreger's Lines" on the bottom and sides of the grips, which have some fantastic grain and checking.

The revolver functions just about flawlessly, with solid indexing and a firm cylinder lockup. We did not notice any of the usual finicky behavior we often see with revolvers of this age. The barrel to frame connection is solid, with no wobble we can detect. The bore is in very good condition, with a mostly bright finish showing clear lands and grooves, with a bit of past fouling and oxidation nearer to the forcing cone. It's very rare to see a percussion era revolver with a bore this good! The brass front sight is still present and in very good condition, with just a bit of wear on the top. All five cap nipple cones are clear, showing oxidation and fouling on the exterior from use, and they definitely look to be original.

This is a fantastic collector's opportunity, the likes of which we are unlikely to ever see again. Gustave Young was extremely well-regarded during his life, and after passing away his reputation has only grown. This could be the crown jewel of any 19th century arms collection. In wonderful condition and ready to display!

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: 1853
Caliber: .31cal
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 5 inches
Overall Length: 10 inches
Action: Single Action Percussion
Feed System: 5 Shot Revolver

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IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

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Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.