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 lovely example features Serial Number 216394 on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, and grip frame, while the cylinder, cylinder arbor pin, and loading rammer have shortened versions of this number. Only the barrel wedge is an unmarked period arsenal replacement, making this a great "MOSTLY MATCHING" example, with only minor components swapped out. The revolver looks great, and it has a wonderful original walnut grip.

The serial number indicates indicates the year of manufacture as 1862, during the middle of the U.S. Civil War, so it almost certainly saw service during the conflict. 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 a great finish on the steel, including much bluing on the barrel and original case hardening on the frame. Additionally, over 90% 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 -

ADDRESS. COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S.AMERICA.

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 grips are in excellent condition, with a lovely color and very little damage or wear. They still have about 95% of the original "Piano Varnish" finish that was applied to these at the factory, with just some light wear on the bottom corners where usually seen. There is still a bit of the original plating on the brass grip frame and trigger guard, with the rest faded to a lovely mustard patina.

The revolver functions just about flawlessly, with solid indexing and a firm cylinder lockup. We did not notice any of the usual finicky behavior we often see with revolvers of this age. The barrel to frame connection is solid, with no wobble we can detect. The bore is in VERY good condition, with a bright finish showing crisp lands and grooves, and there is just a bit of light peppering in the lands. We almost never see percussion revolvers with a bore this good, with very little evidence of use or neglect. The brass front sight is still present and in very good condition. The cap nipple cones do show some oxidation and powder burn to the exterior. Only 3 of 6 show light, though all look to have grease and dirt in them, as well as in the cylinder chambers.

This is a fantastic '49 Pocket dating from the Civil War, a very nice acquisition for any collection. In very good condition with a lovely lightly used patina and a great cylinder scene, ready to display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: 1862
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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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.