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, and looks to have had the cylinder and frame lockup re-fit at some point, so it is in well-working condition. It looks like the cylinder had all of the cap nipple cones replaced, the outer surface smoothed, and the center cleaned and sleeved. The arbor pin also looks to have been sleeved, and it definitely fits very nicely now.

The revolver also is quite early in production compared to the usual examples we see. The serial Number 67008 can be found on the barrel, frame, cylinder (very faint), trigger guard and grip frame. The loading rammer and barrel wedge are marked with shortened number 7008. The marking on the cylinder arbor pin has been covered by a sleeve, but there are no signs of removal under the hammer. 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 long 6" barrel, in nice tight condition with nice aged finish on the steel, faded from what looks to be an arsenal re-blued finish. As with most we see, the nickel plating on the grip frame and trigger guard is completely missing, replaced with a lovely "mustard" colored patina. Also like most we see, the original "Stagecoach Robbery" cylinder scene has completely worn away, in this case probably completely removed when the cylinder was refit.

The Colt early two line address is marked in two lines across the top of the octagonal barrel, which is still crisp:-

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 not exhibit any of the usual finicky behavior we often see on these revolvers due to age and wear. The bore is in good condition, showing clear lands and grooves and a partly bright finish. There is overall oxidation with a few areas of pitting, as expected on a black powder percussion revolver. Three out the five replacement cap nipple cones are clear, so it definitely saw service after being refit. 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, refit later for continued service. This would be a wonderful acquisition for any collection.

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: 1853
Caliber: .31cal
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 6 inches
Overall Length: 11 inches
Action: Single Action Percussion
Feed System: 5 Shot Revolver

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