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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 fantastic example features Serial Number 214018 on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, and grip frame. The cylinder and barrel wedge have shortened number 14018, while the cylinder arbor pin and loading rammer are marked 4018. This makes this a very desirable "ALL MATCHING" example of the M1849 Pocket revolver, without any parts swapped out over the years! The revolver has a great lightly used look showing much of the original finish, and it has a wonderful original walnut grip.
The serial number indicates indicates the year of manufacture as 1862, during the early portion of the U.S. Civil War, so it most likely saw service during the conflict, and possibly 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 6" barrel, in nice tight condition with a lovely worn patina on the steel and iron parts. The revolver looks to have been very well cared for during service, not showing any major oxidation or other issues, and the original bluing on the barrel assembly is actually very well retained!
Additionally, over 80% of the original "Stagecoach Robbery" engraved cylinder scene can still be seen, which is usually completely worn away. It also still shows the COLT'S PATENT / № marking above and next to the serial number. Often we see these with the markings completely removed from the cylinder, so this is a real treat! The later Colt "Single Line" address is still crisp across the top of the octagonal barrel -
ADDRESS COL SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA
The revolver bears 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 trigger guard and frame have lost the original plating, however they only show light wear and a lovely lightly oxidized patina. The frame shows some of the original finish around the screws, with the rest worn to a nice light gray patina from cleaning, and the cylinder is in similar condition.The walnut grips are in excellent condition, still retaining over 95% of the original "piano varnish" finish, showing wear only around the lower edge. There are no cracks, major dents or other issues. The brass front sight is still present and in very good condition.
The revolver functions beautifully, with accurate indexing and a firm cylinder lockup. We did not notice any of the usual finicky behavior we often see with revolvers of this age, and the mechanics are tight. 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 good condition, showing clear lands and grooves with a partly bright finish. There is definitely wear and past fouling present, particularly in the grooves, however the "progressive" rifling is still easily visible. All of the cap nipples look to be original and all 6 are clear, showing wear and oxidation to the exterior.
This is a lovely '49 Pocket dating the height of the Civil War with a nice honest lightly used look and a great cylinder scene. A wonderful acquisition for any collection!
Specifications:-
Year of Manufacture: 1862
Caliber: .31cal
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 4 inches
Overall Length: 19 inches
Action: Single Action Percussion
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver
NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.
- This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey
This product is available for international shipping.
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon
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.
These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.
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.
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Yes, in most jurisdictions, antique firearms are legal to own and are generally not subject to the same regulatory requirements as modern firearms. Under U.S. federal law, any firearm manufactured on or before December 31, 1898, is classified as an antique firearm and is not considered a firearm under the Gun Control Act of 1968. As such, no federal license or FFL (Federal Firearms License) transfer is required for purchase or possession. Antique firearms may be legally shipped to all U.S. states and to over 25 countries worldwide via UPS, subject to applicable shipping and import/export restrictions. Please note: Firearms laws vary by country, state, and locality, and are subject to change. It is your responsibility to consult with local law enforcement or a qualified legal professional to ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations in your area.
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