Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! Here we have an 1856 Colt Model 1849 Pocket engraved by Gustave Young and presented to Samuel G. Ruggles, Philadelphia’s first Chief of Police. The ivory grips carry gold plaques inscribed “Presented by the/6th Ward Police” and “to/Samuel G. Ruggles.” Gustave Young was Colt’s primary engraving contractor in 1856. His distinctive German-American style features extensive foliate scrollwork with floral and shell accents on beaded background, an animal mask above the loading lever screw, wolf’s head on the hammer, and “Saml Colt” presentation inscription replacing the barrel address.
Samuel G. Ruggles was appointed Philadelphia’s first Chief of Police in May 1857. The police department was created by state law in 1854, and Mayor Richard Vaux selected Ruggles based on recommendations from Captain Jacob Laudenslager. Ruggles previously served as deputy sheriff and lieutenant for Ward 6. Under Ruggles, the department became efficient and effective. He remained chief through three administrations and the Civil War before resigning December 1868 due to ill health. He died April 21, 1874.
The presentation occurred while Ruggles was lieutenant before his promotion, as the case badge reads “late Lieutenant/Now CHIEF OF POLICE.” The 6th Ward officers presented this engraved Colt to honor their lieutenant’s promotion. The rosewood case features a silver badge-shaped plaque with brass star inscribed “Presented/BY THE POLICE/of the/6TH WARD/to/Samuel G. Ruggles.” Research suggests the case and ivory grips were made by J.C. Grubb & Co. of Philadelphia, one of Colt’s largest dealers.
Most of our POTDs utilize images from our friends at Rock Island Auction Company, the premier firearms auction in the United States. Take some time to browse their current auctions – who knows, maybe you’ll find a piece of history to take home!
“Police Chief Samuel G. Ruggles Cased Colt Model 1849 Pocket.” Rock Island Auction, www.rockislandauction.com/detail/4096/1198/police-chief-samuel-g-ruggles-cased-colt-model-1849-pocket. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
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Writer | TheFirearmBlog Instagram | sfsgunsmith Old soul, certified gunsmith, published author, avid firearm history learner, and appreciator of old and unique guns.
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