This exquisitely engraved presentation grade Model 1849 Pocket Colt revolver is in museum quality condition. The matching serial number of 115781 shows that the weapon was produced in 1856 and engraving on the backstrap shows it was presented to Lieutenant George L. Miles who served in the 2^nd and 126^th Pennsylvania Infantry and the 21^st Pennsylvania Cavalry.

The weapon has a 6-inch barrel that still retains approx. 85% of its original blue. The muzzle retains the bead front sight and upon close inspection one can see a delicately engraved dot and scroll decoration around the muzzles edge. The top barrel flat at the breech has “SAML COLT” very finely engraved within a flowing linear border. The breech area of the barrel is deeply engraved all the way round with a fine scrollwork design. On the left side of the barrel just forward of the wedge pin a dog’s head has been worked into the scrolls. Even the screw heads and tips are engraved as is the base of the loading lever. Bore has good rifling and only some minor dirt and just needs punched to clean up.

The frame is also heavily engraved matching the barrel with a strong “COLT’S PATENT” stamping worked into the decoration on the left side. Again, the three screw heads on the frame and their exposed tips are also engraved. The 5-shot cylinder has 100% of the cylinder scene remaining and it is very visible. All nipples are original. Action is crisp and works properly. The hammer is also engraved on its top and sides as are the recoil shields on either side of the hammer.

The backstrap and triggerguard retains 95% of its silver and both are heavily engraved as is the bottom of the grip. Backstrap is clearly engraved “LIEUT. GEO. L. MILES, CO. B, 2^ND REGT. P.V.”

A biography of George Miles found in the Biographical Annals of Franklin County, Pennsylvania says “George L. Miles was born in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania on July 9, 1834. His father having died when the boy was about twelve years old, he received but little schooling, and that in the schools of Chambersburg, and was thus early in life thrown upon his own resources. He was employed some two years assisting a Dr. Kennedy in farm work, when he entered the employ of John Riesner, a baker and confectioner, with whom he remained some seven years.

In March, 1852, he was married to Mary E. Crider, and then entered the employ of the Cumberland Valley Railroad Company, as fireman on a locomotive, but which pursuit, on account of failing health, he was obliged to abandon after a service of two years.

He then went into business for himself, and successfully carried on a bakery and restaurant until the first call for volunteers in April, 1861, when he disposed of his business, and with the militia company, of which he had been first lieutenant (then Company B, Second Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry) went to the war for three months, and after serving out the time of enlistment, re-enlisted, as captain of Company G, One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, for nine months.

He was at Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, and at the expiration of his term of service he raised company C for the Twenty-first Cavalry, 182nd Regiment, with whom he served 6 months.

In February 1864 Captain Miles returned to civil life, and embarked in the grocery trade, which he conducted some two or three years, and again entered the employ of the Cumberland Valley Railroad Company, with which he remained one year, and since that time, until some four years ago, has been in the employ of the various hotels of Chambersburg.

He then led a retired life until January, 1885, when he commenced the manufacture of cigar boxes. Mrs. Miles died August 19, 1888, the mother of one daughter, Mary E., born April 13, 1853, who became the wife of Edward Kauffman, and died May 10, 1882.

Captain Miles is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, also of the K. of P. and American Mechanics. He represented the First Ward in the council for four years in succession, commencing in 1877. He has always interested himself in militia matters, and up to one year ago he commanded a company of National Guards of Pennsylvania.”  [ad]

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