Item Description
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. It also is quite early in production compared to the usual examples we see. The serial Number 71843 can be found on the barrel, frame, cylinder, trigger guard and grip frame. The loading rammer, barrel wedge, and cylinder arbor pin are all marked with shortened number 1843. 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 1853, about 8 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 5" barrel, in nice tight condition with nice aged peppered finish on the steel. 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 50% of the original "Stagecoach Robbery" cylinder scene engraving, with many areas 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, with the second line partly worn away:-
ADDRESS SAML COLT
NEW YORK CITY
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.
The revolver functions well, with solid indexing and a firm cylinder lockup. It does however take some effort to get the hammer back to the fully cocked position. The bore is in very good condition, showing clear lands and grooves and a partly bright finish. There are some areas of 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 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: 1853
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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- This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey
This product is available for international shipping.
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.
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