This stunning revolver was manufactured in 1863 during the midst of the American Civil War and may have been presented by Elizabeth Colt to one of her relatives. It features stunning factory engraving in the patterns popularized by Master Engraver Gustave Young, including foliate scrollwork with beaded backgrounds and the wolf's head motif on the hammer. The factory "E" marking designating engraving is marked above or below the matching serial numbers on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The matching partial serial number "1519" is marked on the arbor and wedge. The barrel has a brass cone front sight and the one-line New York address. The "COLTS/PATENT" marking is on the left side of the frame, and the patent marking is also in one cylinder flute. The left side of the trigger guard has "S" and "36 CAL". The back strap is inscribed "Charles A. Sheffield." The rosewood presentation case has a blank lid escutcheon, Eley Bros. cap tin, powder flask, bullet mold, and several bullets. Charles A. Sheffield has been attributed as Charles Amos Sheffield (b. 1829) of Old Saybrook, Connecticut, and is said to be a cousin of Samuel Colt. This is based in part on a stocked Model 1851 revolver inscribed to F. W. H. Sheffield (Frederick William Hotchkiss Sheffield) as well as their sister Amelia (Amelia Hotchkiss Sheffield) being presented a copy of "Armsmear" that was inscribed “With the devoted love of her friend and cousin, Elizabeth H. Colt, Armsmear Christmas 1866”. The exact relation is unclear, but both the Sheffields and Mrs. Colt were descended from the Hart family on their mothers' sides of their family. Amelia and Mrs. Colt were members of the Connecticut Society of Colonial Dames of America and listed among their shared ancestors Gov. John Leverett and Rev. William Hubbard. Charles, Frederick, and Amelia's father was Captain Amos Sheffield (1789-1868), a veteran of the War of 1812 and merchant in Old Saybrook, Connecticut. The 1860 Census lists Charles as living with his parents and sister and as also working as a merchant. The 1870 Census lists him as the head of the house with his wife Louisa and sister Amelia and indicates he owned real estate valued at $14,000 and has a personal estate valued at $20,000 and was working as a retail merchant. Amelia owned $6,000 worth of real estate and also had a personal estate valued at $20,000. Charles appears to have sold the family home and business around 1870, and the latter part of his life is unknown. Frederick was a banker and wagon manufacturer. He lived in Utica, New York, then Dubuque, Iowa, and then returned to Utica. Amelia also moved to Utica and was living with Frederick and his wife in the early 20th century. Provenance: Charles A. Sheffield; Private Collection