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 service used condition, showing long years of service but no major abuse. The serial Number 158926 can be found on the barrel, frame, cylinder, trigger guard and grip frame, with shortened serial 8926 on the loading rammer and arbor pin. The barrel wedge is the only unmatched part, and is unmarked arsenal replacement. 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 1859, about 2 years before the start of the U.S. Civil War, so there it almost certainly 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 mostly worn away, with a partial [COL]T'S PATEN[T] 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 grip is in very good shape, with a lovely color and the expected patina of age. It has had all of the original "piano varnish" wear away, with just a tiny spot on the left side by the frame remaining. The wood now has a nice dark brown walnut color, with some great grain showing. There are no cracks or chips on the bottom, just some denting. 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 well, with solid indexing and a firm cylinder lockup, which is pretty amazing given how much service it saw and how much powder burn there is around the ratchet and hand. It does show a bit of finicky behavior, so sometimes the hammer may need to be pulled back several times to get it to advance. The barrel to frame connection is secure, and the loading rammer works great. The bore is clear, however it has been worn smooth from wear, and measures out to 0.32", with little to no rifling visible. There is also some pitting and oxidation on the interior, which has been scrubbed clean. This definitely saw extensive use during the war and possibly afterwards. All of the cap nipples look to be original and clear, however they show quite a bit of powder burn and damage.

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: 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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