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 came to us in rather "barn fresh" condition, showing a lot of surface rust, however it has been expertly restored by our staff, and really surprised us with how nice it turned out! The serial Number 142333 can be found on the barrel, frame, cylinder, trigger guard and grip frame. The loading rammer and cylinder arbor pin are marked with shortened number 2333, while the barrel wedge is marked 42333. 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 1858, only a few years before the start of 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 peppered finish on the steel. There also is still a good amount of the original nickel plating present on the brass grip frame and trigger guard, which is a real rarity.

Like with many we see, due to wear and oxidation, the original "Stagecoach Robbery" cylinder scene engraving is unfortunately mostly worn away, with maybe 20% still visible. However, we can still faintly see the COLT'S PATENT marking above the serial number on the cylinder. Often we see these with the 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, with the second line partly worn away:-

It also has the correct COLTS / PATENT on the left frame under the cylinder, though it is a bit faint due to wear. The walnut grips are in very good shape, with a lovely color and the expected patina of age. They have however lost all of the original "piano varnish" finish they received at the factory due to the condition the revolver was stored in for years.

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 is in very good condition, showing clear lands and grooves and a partly bright finish. There are some areas of light pitting and oxidation, as expected on a black powder percussion revolver. All of the cap nipples look to be original and clear, showing the expected wear from age and oxidation. The barrel to frame connection is secure.

This is a very nice '49 Pocket dating from just before the Civil War with a nice honest used look, having been put in its best light by our expert staff. This would be a wonderful acquisition for any collection.

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: 1858
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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