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 134943 can be found on the barrel, frame, cylinder, trigger guard and grip frame, with shortened serial 4943 on the loading rammer. The barrel wedge is an unmarked arsenal replacement, while the cylinder arbor pin is too worn to read, though it definitely looks to be original. This makes this a very desirable "MOSTLY MATCHING" example of the M1849 Pocket revolver, without any major 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 5" barrel, in nice tight condition with nice aged peppered finish on the steel. It looks to have seen long service, and definitely a lot of use. Like most we see, the original "Stagecoach Robbery" cylinder scene engraving is almost completely gone, with just a few traces of the "COLT'S PATENT" marking above the serial number on the cylinder.

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 have had almost all of the original "piano varnish" wear away, with just a bit retained on the bottoms. The rest of the wood has a nice dark brown walnut color.

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, though it is a bit stiff. The barrel to frame connection is secure, and the loading rammer works great. The bore is in good condition, showing clear rifling, but also wear and fouling from use. There is a lot of oxidation on the interior as well. All of the cap nipples look to be original and clear, showing wear from age and oxidation.

This is a very nice '49 Pocket dating from before the Civil War with a nice honest used look, and great patina of age. This would be a wonderful acquisition for any collection.

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: 1857
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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