Colt Model 1851 Navy Percussion Revolver, Serial Number 29705, with Case and Accessories

Manufacturer Samuel Colt American
Engraver Engraved by Gustave Young American, born Prussia
ca. 1853–54
Not on view
Gustave Young (1827–1895), a German-born craftsman, engraved firearms with intricate and elaborate ornament for Colt in Hartford, Connecticut, and Smith & Wesson in Springfield, Massachusetts. His posthumous fame among firearms collectors caused the decoration on many pieces to be misattributed to his hand. Therefore, as one of the few documented examples of Young's work, this pistol is of primary importance as a touchstone for understanding his style and technique.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Colt Model 1851 Navy Percussion Revolver, Serial Number 29705, with Case and Accessories
  • Manufacturer: Samuel Colt (American, Hartford, Connecticut 1814–1862)
  • Engraver: Engraved by Gustave Young (American (born Germany), Benshausen, Thuringia 1827–1895 Springfield, Massachusetts)
  • Date: ca. 1853–54
  • Geography: Hartford, Connecticut
  • Culture: American, Hartford, Connecticut
  • Medium: Steel, brass, silver, wood, copper, tin, lead, paper
  • Dimensions: L. of pistol 13 in. (33 cm); L. of barrel 7 1/2 in. (19 cm); Cal. .36 in. (9 mm); case: 14 1/4 x 6 3/8 x 2 1/4 in. (36.2 x 16.2 x 5.6 cm)
  • Classification: Firearms-Pistols-Percussion
  • Credit Line: Gift of Jack Sayre, 2010
  • Object Number: 2010.481a–l
  • Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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