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. The serial Number 223444 can be found on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, and grip frame. The cylinder and barrel wedge are marked with 23444, while the cylinder arbor pin is marked with 3444. This makes this a very desirable "ALL MATCHING" example of the M1849 Pocket revolver, without any parts swapped out over the years.

The serial number indicates indicates the year of manufacture as 1863, during the middle of the U.S. Civil War, however it is unlikely that it saw use during the conflict, as it bears clear BRITISH proof marks on the barrel and cylinder. The lower left side of the barrel bears the CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / BPC "proof" and CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / V "viewed" marks from the English city of Birmingham, indicating inspection upon importation. The cylinder also has CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / V "viewed" marks next to each cap nipple cone.

We have not had an example of a Model 1849 Pocket that bore British proofs before, and they seem to be somewhat rare. The British had their own booming firearms industry, and hardly had much need to import guns, but perhaps the large surplus after the Civil War resulted in prices dropping enough that export guns became an attractive purchase.

As this revolver has a serial number over 187000, it has a six round .31 caliber cylinder, instead of the previous five. It also features a 4" barrel, and is in nice tight condition with nice aged finish on the steel, showing some of the original finish. Additionally, about 50% of the original "Stagecoach Robbery" cylinder engraving can still be seen, which is usually completely worn away. The COLT'S PATENT marking is mostly intact as well. Often we see these with the markings completely removed from the cylinder, so this is a real treat!

The Colt New York single line address is still crisp and fully legible 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. The walnut grip is in very good shape, with a lovely color and the expected patina of age. There is an old crack towards the toe on the left side, as well as a repair along the back. It does look like the grips were refinished at some point after the repairs were made.

The revolver functions just about flawlessly, with solid indexing and a firm cylinder lockup. Pulling the hammer back very hard can however cause it to overshoot a bit. The barrel to frame connection is solid, and the revolver breaks down correctly. The bore is in very good condition, with a mostly bright finish showing clear lands and grooves. There is some overall past oxidation and fouling, now cleaned away, but this is definitely well above average. The brass front sight is still present and in very good condition. All 6 cap nipple cones are intact, with 5 of 6 clear, though they do show some oxidation and powder burn to the exterior.

This is a very nice British Proofed Colt '49 Pocket dating from the Civil War, most likely exported after the conflict due to the large post war surplus. A very nice acquisition for any collection. In wonderful condition and ready to display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: 1863
Caliber: .31cal
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 4 inches
Overall Length: 9 inches
Action: Single Action Percussion
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver

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