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 example is in lovely condition, showing years of service but no major abuse. The serial Number 132927 can be found on the barrel, frame, cylinder, trigger guard and grip frame. The barrel wedge is marked with 32927, while the cylinder arbor pin is marked 2927. 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 1857, about 4 years before the start of the U.S. Civil War, so there is a very good chance it saw service during the conflict. Five shot percussion, .31 caliber with a 4" barrel, in nice tight condition with nice aged peppered finish on the steel. It looks like the revolver was stored improperly, allowing some rust to form, which was then cleaned away. There also is still some of the original nickel plating present on the brass grip frame and trigger guard, which is a real rarity.

Unlike most we see, there is still about 40% of the original "Stagecoach Robbery" cylinder scene engraving, with some areas still fully visible. We can also still faintly see the COLT'S PATENT marking above the serial number on the cylinder. Often we see these with the scene & markings completely removed from the cylinder, so this is a real treat!

The Colt early two line address is 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, which is still crisp. The walnut grips are in very good shape, with a lovely color and the expected patina of age. They still retain almost all of the original "piano varnish" finish on both sides, with wear through on the corners as is usual.

These revolvers were great favorites with Union Officers, who would use them as a backup personal second revolver to take into battle. They were easily concealed and most effective, giving the officer an additional 5 shots when needed.

The revolver functions great, with solid indexing and a firm cylinder lockup. It does not display any of the finicky behavior we often see from revolvers of this age. The barrel to frame connection is secure, and the loading rammer works great. The bore is in very good condition, showing clear lands and grooves with bright finish. There is just a bit of scattered light oxidation and fouling, now cleaned away. We almost never see percussion revolvers with a bore this good, with very little evidence of use or neglect. All of the cap nipples look to be original and clear, showing minor wear from age and oxidation. There are also still intact "safety pins" on the rear of the cylinder, which are almost always missing.

This is a very nice '49 Pocket dating from before the Civil War with a nice honest used look, still showing some of the original finish in areas. This would be a wonderful acquisition for any collection.

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: 1857
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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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.