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, made just before the start of the U.S. Civil War. This very nice example features Serial Number 163496 on the barrel, frame, cylinder, trigger guard, and grip frame, with shortened number 63496 on the barrel wedge and 3496 on the loading rammer. Only the arbor pin looks to be an unmarked replacement, which makes this a very nice "MOSTLY MATCHING" example of the M1849 Pocket revolver, and it's a good one!

The serial number indicates indicates the year of manufacture as 1860, only a year 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 show a lovely "mustard" patina, with some areas retaining the original nickel plating. Additionally, about 60% of the original "Stagecoach Robbery" cylinder, 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, and is shows only light wear:-

It also has the correct worn 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 still have a good amount of the original "Piano Varnish" finish that was applied to these at the factory, showing wear overall. There is still a good amount of the nickel plating on the trigger guard, probably 40%, showing a lovely aged patina. The brass front sight is still present and in very good condition, with just a bit of wear on the top.

The revolver functions well, with solid indexing and a firm cylinder lockup. The ratchet on the cylinder is a bit worn, so there is one chamber that will not advance all the way, and needs to be rotated into position by hand. The barrel to frame connection is solid, and does not show any signs of alteration to tighten up the joint. The bore is in very good condition, with a bright finish showing clear lands and grooves, which are still crisp! There is some fouling and oxidation near the forcing cone, but the rest is really great. It's very rare to see a percussion era revolver with a bore this good! 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, 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: 1860
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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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.