Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice and interesting LONDON marked Colt Model 1849 Pocket Percussion .31 caliber revolver, only the second example that we have ever had! 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. The serial Number 6462 can be found on the barrel, frame, cylinder, cylinder arbor pin, trigger guard, loading rammer, and grip frame. The barrel wedge is marked with shortened number 462, which makes this a great "ALL MATCHING" example of one of these rare revolvers!

The Colt London two line address is still well marked in two lines across the top of the octagonal barrel -

ADDRESS. COL. COLT
LONDON.

There is also a clear COLT·S / PATENT marking correctly on the left side of the frame under the cylinder. The Colt Model 1849 London Pocket revolvers were manufactured at the London factory from circa 1853 through to 1857, and used their own serial range from 1 through to approximately 11000. As there are not any records available, determining the exact date of manufacture is impossible, however we would assume 1855-1856, a little over half way through the run. The quality of the London Pocket was thought to be better than its American counterpart. A nice percussion revolver, in .31 caliber with a 5" barrel, in nice tight condition with nice aged finish on the steel, showing some past peppering in areas, probably from contact with a holster.

This example still retains about 40% of the original cylinder "Stagecoach Holdup Scene" engraving visible, along with a partial [COLT'S] PATENT over the serial number marking. There is some wear and powder burn on the front of the cylinder, so the revolver definitely looks to have seen a good amount of use. The cylinder also shows British Proof marks to each chamber, either a Crown over V for "viewed" marking or the Crown over GP "gunmaker's proof" definitive black powder markings from the London Proof House. The frame has the same markings by the barrel wedge.

Overall, the revolver shows a lovely lightly oxidized patina of age, which we have left intact to avoid causing further wear to the exterior. The walnut grips are in very good shape, with a lovely color and the expected patina of age. They still have most of the original "Piano Varnish" finish that was applied to these at the factory, with wear around the bottom as expected.

The revolver functions correctly, with good indexing and a tight cylinder lockup. We have not noticed any of the usual finicky behavior revolvers of this age can have. The barrel - frame connection is wobble free. The bore is in very good condition, showing a mostly bright finish with clear lands and grooves. There is some past oxidation and fouling in the grooves, now cleaned away, so the barrel looks to definitely have been cleaned during service. Definitely a great bore for a clack powder percussion revolver. Four out of five cap nipple cones on the cylinder are clear, and all show a powder burn wear on the exterior.

This is a great '49 London Pocket nice and tight and a credit to any Collection. Ready to display!

Specifications:

Years of Manufacture: 1853-1857
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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