2020 September Premier, Volume I

SIMILAR EXAMPLE
PICTURED AND
DESCRIBED IN THE
BOOK OF COLT
ENGRAVING BY
WILSON
LOT 117
Desirable Factory Engraved Colt Pocket Navy Percussion Revolver with
Exceptional Mexican Eagle “Tiffany” Grip - Serial no. 17610E, 36 cal., 5 1/2 inch
octagon bbl., brown finish, brass grips. The details of the serial numbers and dates of
manufacture of this model remain disputed. Colt currently lists this revolver as a “Pocket Pistol of Navy Caliber” manufactured
in 1863 within the same range as Police revolvers. However, the Colt Collector’s Association now lists this model as manufactured
from 1865 until 1872 within a serial number range of 1-22000 suggesting this revolver dates closer to 1870. This revolver was most
definitely engraved by master engraver Gustave Young. It is engraved with the classic late floral vine scroll engraving known to
sometimes be used by Young and has the wolf motif and five dots suggesting five ten hour days of engraving in Young’s shop. It also
has “COLTS PATENT” hand engraved on the left side of the frame in the style Young employed. The grip has an eagle, snake, and cactus
pattern based on the coat of arms of Mexico, silver cap. A very similar engraving pattern is shown on a factory converted Pocket Navy
on page 152, serial number 17613, just three serial numbers after this revolver, on page 152 of “The Book of Colt Engraving” by Wilson,
and the same grip pattern is seen on a Gustave Young engraved Model 1862 Police on page 99 and on
page 160 on another Model 1862 Police and multiple revolvers in the “Tiffany Grips” chapter. These grips
were shown in Schuyler, Hartley & Graham’s catalogs on a revolver with the same style of engraving (see
page 143 of “Steel Canvas” by Wilson). Additional features include the New York barrel address, matching
serial numbers, “E” near the main serial numbers, and “36 CAL” on the front and rear of the
trigger guard on the left.
CONDITION: Very good revolver with crisp engraving, smooth gray patina, light pitting on the cylinder,
bright trigger guard and exceptionally fine original grip, aged patina on the silver cap, and mild overall
wear. Mechanically fine. A fine representative example of both factory engraving and much
sought after Tiffany grip.
Estimate: 14000 - 22500
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