Item Description
Original Items: One of a Kind Set. 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 second 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 cat on the left side of the barrel just over the loading rammer screw. The hammer has 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 95137 on the barrel, cylinder, frame, grip frame, and trigger guard, with shortened number 5137 on the cylinder arbor pin and loading rammer. The barrel wedge is unmarked, most likely replaced during servicing long ago, which makes this a great "Mostly Matching" example, with no major parts swapped out over the years.
The serial number indicates indicates the year of manufacture as 1854, 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!
To make this offering even better, it came to us with a fantastic custom wood case, which measures approximately 11 3/8" x 6 1/8" x 2", and has different compartments inside, all red velvet lined. These are for various accessories one might use with the pistol, and in the case is a very nice brass bullet mold with inlets for round and tipped bullets, a lovely U.S. themed brass powder flask, and a small brass ramrod. There is also a compartment full of round and conical bullets and a percussion cap case. The case is lovely, and at one time had a lock at the front, however it has been disabled, though there is still a legible maker marking on the lock.
Additionally, about 75% of the original "Stagecoach Robbery" engraved cylinder scene can still be seen, which is usually completely worn away. It is still visible in most areas and looks great! The COLT'S PATENT / № marking next to the serial number is almost fully intact as well. Often we see these with the markings completely removed from the cylinder, so this is a real treat!
The Colt early two line address is marked in two lines across the top of the octagonal barrel, and is still crisp with no wear:-
ADDRESS SAML COLT
NEW YORK CITY
It also has the correct crisp COLTS PATENT on the left frame under the cylinder, though there is no "31CAL" marking on the trigger guard, which is not uncommon, especially on factory engraved revolvers. The walnut grip is in very good condition, with a lovely color and very little damage or wear. It still retains about 50% of the original "piano varnish" on both sides of the grip, showing overall wear, but no signs of refinishing.
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 in a few areas. 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. With the custom wood case with accessories, this could be the crown jewel of any 19th century arms collection. In wonderful condition and ready to display!
Specifications:-
Year of Manufacture: 1854
Caliber: .31cal
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 5 inches
Overall Length: 10 inches
Action: Single Action Percussion
Feed System: 5 Shot Revolver
- This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey
This product is not available for international shipping.
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 most US States and most U.S. territories.
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