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 270868 on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, and grip frame, while the cylinder, cylinder arbor pin, and barrel wedge all have shortened versions of this number. That makes this a great "ALL MATCHING" example, with no parts swapped out over the years, and it's a good one!

The serial number indicates indicates the year of manufacture as 1865, during the end of U.S. Civil War, so it possibly saw service during the conflict, and most likely afterwards. As this revolver has a serial number over 187000, it has a six round cylinder, instead of the previous five. The revolver is in .31 caliber with a 4" barrel, in nice tight condition with a lovely lightly used patina on the steel and iron parts. The revolver looks to have seen only moderate use while in service, and the original bluing can still be seen in many areas, particularly on the barrel. 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 shortened serial number.

The later Colt "Single Line" address is present and crisp across the top of the octagonal barrel:-

The COLTS PATENT marking is still crisp on the left frame under the cylinder, and the brass trigger guard has the correct 31 CAL marking on the left side. The trigger guard and frame have lost the original plating, with a lovely matured golden color to the brass. The iron and steel parts of the revolver show a very nice mottled patina, with the original bluing and case coloring still partly retained. There is a bit of past peppering on the cylinder and hammer, but the rest of the pistol shows very little. Just a great lightly used look from use and thorough cleaning. The walnut grip is in very good condition, with a lovely color, and still retaining over 90% of the original "piano varnish" finish! There is some denting and wear through around the bottom as is typical, but this is far beyond what we usually see.

The revolver functions well, with accurate indexing and a firm cylinder lockup. We did not notice any of the finicky behavior we often see with revolvers of this age. It properly breaks down by removing the barrel wedge, and the barrel to frame has just a bit of wobble, with no signs of adjustment in the past. The bore is in excellent condition, showing clear lands and grooves with a bright finish. There is just a bit of wear and past fouling, now removed, but no major issues, and the "progressive" rifling is still easily visible. Definitely well above average for a black powder era bore, which are often like stovepipes! All of the cap nipples look to be original and are all clear, showing fouling and oxidation on the exterior from use.

This is a lovely '49 Pocket dating from the late Civil War with a nice lightly used look and a great bore. A wonderful acquisition for any collection!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: 1865
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.