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 119057 can be found on the barrel, frame, cylinder, trigger guard and grip frame. The loading rammer and cylinder arbor pin have shortened number 9057, while the barrel wedge has 19057. 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 1856, shortly before the U.S. Civil War, so it almost certainly saw service during the conflict. Five shot percussion, .31 caliber with a 4" barrel, in nice tight condition with nice aged finish on the steel. It does look like the steel portions of the revolver may have been refinished at some point long ago. There also is still some of the original nickel plating present on the brass grip frame and trigger guard, which is a real rarity.

As with most we see, due to wear virtually all of the "Stagecoach Holdup" cylinder scene has been removed from the cylinder, as well as the "COLTS PATENT" marking. The Colt early two line address is still marked in two lines across the top of the octagonal barrel -

It also has the correct COLTS PATENT on the left frame under the cylinder, though the lower line is quite faint. The walnut grips are in very good shape, with a lovely color and the expected patina of age. They still have over 80% of the original "Piano Varnish" finish that was applied to these at the factory, with wear on the bottom of the grips as usually seen.

The revolver functions well, 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 bore shows clear lands and grooves, with a partly bright finish showing minor oxidation and fouling in the grooves. All of the cap nipples look to be original, and are clear, though they definitely show wear from age and oxidation. The barrel to frame connection is secure, though the screw is a non-original replacement.

This is a very nice '49 Pocket dating from just before the Civil War with a nice honest used look, a wonderful acquisition for any collection.

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: 1856
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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