Welcome to at the moment’s Photo of the Day! Right here we’ve got an 1856 Colt Mannequin 1849 Pocket engraved by Gustave Younger and introduced to Samuel G. Ruggles, Philadelphia’s first Chief of Police. The ivory grips carry gold plaques inscribed “Offered by the/sixth Ward Police” and “to/Samuel G. Ruggles.” Gustave Younger was Colt’s major engraving contractor in 1856. His distinctive German-American type options intensive foliate scrollwork with floral and shell accents on beaded background, an animal masks above the loading lever screw, wolf’s head on the hammer, and “Saml Colt” presentation inscription changing the barrel handle.
Samuel G. Ruggles was appointed Philadelphia’s first Chief of Police in Could 1857. The police division was created by state legislation in 1854, and Mayor Richard Vaux chosen Ruggles primarily based on suggestions from Captain Jacob Laudenslager. Ruggles beforehand served as deputy sheriff and lieutenant for Ward 6. Beneath Ruggles, the division turned environment friendly and efficient. He remained chief by means of three administrations and the Civil Conflict earlier than resigning December 1868 because of in poor health well being. He died April 21, 1874.
The presentation occurred whereas Ruggles was lieutenant earlier than his promotion, because the case badge reads “late Lieutenant/Now CHIEF OF POLICE.” The sixth Ward officers introduced this engraved Colt to honor their lieutenant’s promotion. The rosewood case includes a silver badge-shaped plaque with brass star inscribed “Offered/BY THE POLICE/of the/6TH WARD/to/Samuel G. Ruggles.” Analysis suggests the case and ivory grips had been made by J.C. Grubb & Co. of Philadelphia, one in all Colt’s largest sellers.
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“Police Chief Samuel G. Ruggles Cased Colt Mannequin 1849 Pocket.” Rock Island Public sale, www.rockislandauction.com/element/4096/1198/police-chief-samuel-g-ruggles-cased-colt-model-1849-pocket. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
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