Photo Of The Day – Today we take a look at an offering from Rock Island Auction Company, one of the world’s top auction houses specialized in antique and collector firearms. This is offered in their December Premier, and you’re looking at a pair of factory engraved and silver-plated Colt Model 1851 Navy revolvers. They feature master engraver Gustave Young‘s classic floral scroll engraving along with various detailed engravings of animals throughout.

The pair is only one serial number apart and the estimated price is between $40,000 and $60,000

From the description:

Incredible Documented Cased Pair of Factory Engraved and Silver Plated Colt Model 1851 Navy Percussion Revolvers Inscribed for Rosendo Velasco

These exceptional and nearly consecutive revolvers (only one serial number in between) date to 1856 and are briefly discussed on page 127 of “The Colt Engraving Book Vol. 1” by R.L. Wilson and noted as engraved by Gustave Young’s shop. They feature the legendary 19th century master engraver’s classic style of floral scroll engraving inhabited by a wildcat on the left side of the barrel lug of gun “A” and an eagle in the same location on gun “B” as well as the engraved “COLTS/PATENT” marking on the frame as is often found on Colt revolvers engraved by Young and his shop. The hammer has the classic wolf head motif and no dots on the spurs. The factory apostrophe marking is by the main serial number locations indicating designation by the factory for engraving. All of the serial numbers match with the one exception of the wedge of the first revolver which is marked “5280.”

The barrels have cone front sights, “2” on the left side of the lugs, and “-ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY-” on top. The cylinders have the standard Naval Battle of Campeche roll-scene. Each revolver has an attractive, one-piece grip. The back straps and case lid plaque are inscribed “Rosendo Velasco” in script. The rosewood case has brass corners and a closely fitted interior containing an cleaning rod that matches the grips, a silver plated “COLT’S/PATENT” ball/bullet mold, silver plated dog and pheasant embossed powder flask, cartridge pack, balls, cap tin, and a nickel-silver James Dixon & Sons caper.

Factory Engraved Colt Model 1851 Navy Percussion Revolver

If you’re interested, check out lot 3191 here.

All pictures by Rock Island Auction Company. You can find more offerings from their previous auctions here.