Original Item: Only One Available. This is a particularly attractive Colt Model 1849 Pocket percussion revolver manufactured in 1858, only a few years before the outbreak of the Civil War. Chambered in .31 caliber and fitted with the desirable 6 inch octagonal barrel, it retains matching serial number 144610 on the barrel, frame, cylinder, trigger guard, and grip frame. The well preserved markings, approximately 50 percent surviving Stagecoach Robbery cylinder scene, excellent bore, tight action, and walnut grip retaining more than 90 percent of its original piano varnish finish make this a notably appealing example of Colt’s most successful pocket revolver.

The Colt Model 1849 Pocket was essentially a reduced size companion to the larger .36 caliber Model 1851 Navy, with both designs developed during the same general period. Compact enough for convenient personal carry but still offering five shots, the Model 1849 became enormously popular with civilians, travelers, soldiers, officers, and others seeking a reliable repeating handgun during the years before and throughout the Civil War era.

The serial number: 144610 appears on the barrel, frame, cylinder, trigger guard, and grip frame. The arbor pin has been adjusted at some point, removing its serial number marking. The loading rammer retains a faint abbreviated number: 461[0]

The barrel wedge is marked: 4610

The font used on the wedge is noticeably larger than the other serial numbers, suggesting that it is most likely a replacement. The revolver is therefore best described as mostly matching, with all major numbered components remaining together and no evidence that the principal assemblies were exchanged over the years.

Serial number 144610 places production in 1858. Its manufacture shortly before the Civil War makes it highly representative of the type of privately purchased pocket revolver widely available during the conflict, although no individual ownership or wartime service history accompanies this example.

The revolver is a five shot, single action percussion design chambered in .31 caliber and fitted with a 6 inch octagonal barrel. The original finish has faded to an attractive mottled gray patina across the steel surfaces. There is evidence of past peppering that was subsequently cleaned, but the revolver retains a pleasing, evenly aged appearance.

The brass trigger guard and grip frame retain traces of their original plating, particularly toward the front. The remaining exposed brass has developed an attractive polished golden tone.

The cylinder retains approximately 50 percent of its original Stagecoach Robbery scene, a particularly desirable feature since this roll engraved decoration is often heavily worn or completely absent on surviving examples. The cylinder also retains the mostly clear marking:

COLT'S PATENT / №

followed by the serial number.

The top of the barrel is clearly marked with Colt’s early two line New York City address:

ADDRESS SAML COLT
NEW YORK CITY

The left side of the frame beneath the cylinder is correctly marked:

COLTS PATENT

There is no 31 CAL marking on the trigger guard, which is not unusual for a revolver produced during this period. Various individual letter inspection or assembly marks are also stamped on several components.

The one piece walnut grip remains in very good condition and retains more than 90 percent of its original piano varnish finish. The wood has a rich color and compares favorably with the heavily worn or refinished grips frequently encountered on Model 1849 revolvers. Some staining and wear are present along the lower edge, but the grip remains well above average overall.

The original brass bead front sight remains present and shows only light wear. The loading rammer operates correctly, although the pin that retains the rammer latch is missing. As a result, the latch can fall free and should be handled carefully.

The revolver cycles smoothly, with accurate cylinder indexing, strong lockup, and a crisp dry fire. It does not display the hesitant or inconsistent mechanical behavior often encountered on percussion revolvers of this age.

The revolver disassembles correctly by removing the barrel wedge. There is some movement between the barrel assembly and frame when fitted together. This barrel to frame wobble is disclosed as part of the revolver’s present condition.

The bore is an outstanding feature. It remains bright with strong lands and grooves, and the edges of the rifling are still crisp. The condition suggests relatively limited use compared with many surviving Model 1849 revolvers. Minor fouling and oxidation are present near the forcing cone and toward the muzzle.

All five percussion nipples remain clear. Their exteriors show oxidation and fouling from use, together with deformation and cracking caused by repeated hammer strikes.

The Model 1849 Pocket became one of Samuel Colt’s greatest commercial successes. Its combination of compact size, repeating firepower, and dependable operation made it well suited to personal defense during a period of westward expansion, political unrest, and civil conflict. Examples were carried throughout the United States and became closely associated with the antebellum, Civil War, and early Western periods.

This is a particularly desirable Model 1849 Pocket because it combines an 1858 production date, long 6 inch barrel, mostly matching major components, substantial surviving cylinder scene, unusually well preserved original grip finish, smooth mechanical operation, and an excellent bright bore with crisp rifling. The probable replacement wedge, adjusted arbor, missing rammer latch pin, slight barrel movement, cleaned peppering, and worn percussion nipples are fully disclosed. It would display especially well in a Colt percussion, Civil War era sidearm, antebellum American firearms, Old West, or advanced antique revolver collection.

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: 1858
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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