Original Item: Only One Available. The Colt "Pocket Percussion" Model 1849 revolvers in .31cal are essentially scaled down versions of the larger Navy Model 1851 in .36cal, and were developed concurrently. This is a lovely example, showing the original geometry well, with the original finish now faded to a lovely mottled patina, still showing some of the original bluing, and the markings very well preserved. This impressive example features Serial Number 161452 on the barrel, frame, cylinder, trigger guard, and grip frame, with shortened number 1452 on the loading rammer and cylinder arbor pin, while the barrel wedge is marked 61452. This makes this a very desirable "ALL MATCHING" example of the M1849 Pocket revolver, without any parts swapped out over the years, and it's definitely a lovely example!

The serial number indicates indicates the year of manufacture as 1860, only a few short years before the start of the U.S. Civil War, so it almost certainly saw service during the conflict. Five shot percussion, .31 caliber with a 4" barrel, the revolver is in nice tight condition with a very nice aged patina on the steel portions, without anymajor oxidation or other similar issues, though the loading rammer does show a repair, as it probably had the front break off at some point. Like most we see, the grip frame and trigger guard have lost all of the original plating present, and display an aged "mustard" patina. Unlike most we see, the "Stagecoach Robbery" cylinder scene is still well retained at over 60%, and there is a clear COLT'S PATENT / № marking next to the serial number.

The Colt early two line address is clearly marked in two lines across the top of the octagonal barrel:-

It also has the correct COLTS PATENT on the left frame under the cylinder, though there is no "31CAL" marking on the trigger guard, which is not uncommon for this time period. The walnut grip is in very good condition, with a lovely color, though it has lost all of the original finish from cleaning, and shows overall wear. There is however no major damage such as cracks or large chunks missing, just a few small spots of wood filler.

The revolver functions very well, with accurate indexing, a solid cylinder lockup, and a crisp dry fire. We did not notice any of the finicky behavior that we often see with revolvers of this age. It may be that with the broken end on the loading rammer it was put away for a time before repair, which resulted in it being used less. The revolver properly breaks down by removing the barrel wedge, and the barrel to frame connection is secure, with no wobble that we can detect. The bore is in excellent condition, showing a bright finish with crisp lands and grooves. There are just a few spots of oxidation present, and it does not look to have been much use. A truly exceptional bore for a Civil War black powder revolver. All five cap nipple cones are clear, showing light oxidation and fouling on the exterior from use, and the apertures are still relatively small, indicating light use. It even still has the "safety pins" on the rear of the cylinder, and the inlet in the hammer for the pins is still present!

This is a lovely '49 Pocket dating from just before the Civil War with a lovely aged patina and a fantastic bore! A great acquisition for any collection. In lovely condition with a great used look, ready to display!

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: 1860
Caliber: .31cal
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 4 inches
Overall Length: 9 inches
Action: Single Action Percussion
Feed System: 5 Shot Revolver

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IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

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Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.