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 is a lovely example that looks to have seen only light service, produced right at the start of the U.S. Civil War. The revolver features Serial Number 185558 on the barrel and frame, with shortened numbers 5558 on the loading rammer and 558 on the cylinder arbor pin. The cylinder is not matching, marked with 185563, very close in serial range, however the trigger guard and grip frame are marked with serial number 327385, made quite some time after the other components, and the barrel wedge is marked with 385.

This would indicate that the revolver suffered damage at some point, and had parts replaced at arsenal. The frame serial number indicates original manufacture during 1861, right at the start of the U.S. Civil War, so it almost certainly saw service during the conflict, possibly on either side. The grip, grip frame, barrel wedge, and probably the grip itself were made in 1871, during the Indian Wars era, so we assume that the pistol was arsenal repaired around that time.

Five shot percussion, .31 caliber with a 4" barrel, the revolver is in nice tight condition with a very nice aged patina on the steel portions, with no signs of major rusting. The grip frame and trigger guard show a lovely "mustard" patina, with the original nickel plating almost completely gone. Additionally, about 40% 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 / No. marking next to the serial number. 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, which was struck somewhat unevenly:-

It also has the correct COLTS PATENT on the left frame under the cylinder, and there is the correct 31CAL marking on the trigger guard. The walnut grip is in very good condition, with a lovely color and showing only light period wear around the bottom edge. It looks to still retain much of the original "piano varnish" finish applied at the factory. The brass front sight is still present and in very good condition, only showing light wear.

The revolver functions very 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 barrel to frame connection is solid, though it does look like the joint was adjusted in the past to keep the action tight. The bore is in very good condition, still showing clear lands and grooves, but also some fouling and oxidation overall. This revolver looks to have seen a good amount of service during the war and afterwards. All five cap nipple cones are clear, showing oxidation and fouling on the exterior from use.

This is a lovely '49 Pocket dating from just before the Civil War, later reworked during the Indian Wars era. A great acquisition for any collection. In lovely condition with a great used look and a partial cylinder scene, ready to display!

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: 1861
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.

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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.