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 service used example, made just before the start of the U.S. Civil War. This very nice example features Serial Number 154462 on the barrel, frame, cylinder, trigger guard, and grip frame, with shortened number 54462 on the barrel wedge and 4462 on the arbor pin and loading rammer. 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 1859, only two short years before the start of the U.S. Civil War, so it almost certainly saw service during the conflict, possibly on either side. Five shot percussion, .31 caliber with a 5" barrel, and is in nice tight condition with a very nice peppery patina on the steel portions. The grip frame and trigger guard actually still retain close to 50% of the original nickel plating, with the rest faded to a lovely "mustard" patina where the plating is missing. Additionally, about 30% of the original "Stagecoach Robbery" engraved cylinder scene can still be seen, which is usually completely worn away. It also still shows a faint 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, showing some wear:-

It also has 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 walnut grips are in very good condition, with a lovely color and showing the usual period wear. They have lost just about all of the original "piano varnish" finish. 

The nickel plating on the trigger guard and grip frame is still well retained in areas, particularly under the hammer and under the frame of the revolver. There also for some reason are two extra screws added into the grip frame, with one on the back of the grip that is pretty much in place only by "force of habit", and can fall out. The brass front sight is still present and in very good condition, though it is a bit worn down.

The revolver cycles, however the cylinder lock is weak, so the cylinder can spin even when it is fully cocked. It will index correctly only if the hammer is pulled quite slowly. The barrel to frame connection is solid, and does not look to have been adjusted in the past. The bore is in good condition, still showing worn lands and grooves, and also fouling and oxidation overall. This revolver looks to have seen a good amount of service during the war, and possibly afterwards. All five cap nipple cones are clear, showing oxidation and fouling on the exterior from use, as well as damage from dry firing.

This is a lovely "All Matching" '49 Pocket dating from just before the Civil War, a great acquisition for any collection. In lovely condition with a great service worn look and a partial cylinder scene, ready to display!

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: 1859
Caliber: .31cal
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 5 inches
Overall Length: 10 inches
Action: Single Action Percussion
Feed System: 5 Shot Revolver

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