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 service used example, showing the original geometry well, with the original finish now faded to a lovely gray patina, with the markings very well preserved. This impressive example features Serial Number 81826 on the barrel, frame, cylinder, trigger guard, and grip frame, with shortened number 1826 on the barrel wedge, loading rammer and cylinder arbor pin. This makes this a very desirable "ALL MATCHING" example of the M1849 Pocket revolver, without any parts swapped out over the years, and it's definitely a lovely example!

The serial number indicates indicates the year of manufacture as 1853, only a few short years before the start of the U.S. Civil War, so it almost certainly saw service during the conflict. Five shot percussion, .31 caliber with a short 4" barrel, and is in nice tight condition with a very nice gray patina with just a bit of peppering in a few areas. The grip frame and trigger guard have a lovely look, showing a lovely aged brass color, having lost the original plating long ago. There is even a slightly worn name on the rear of the grip frame: CAP't N. REEDE, a great opportunity for further research!

Additionally, over 80% of the original "Stagecoach Robbery" engraved cylinder scene can still be seen, which is usually completely worn away. It is still crisp in most areas and looks great! The COLT'S PATENT marking above the serial number is almost fully intact as well. 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 still crisp with no wear:-

It also has the correct crisp COLTS PATENT on the left frame under the cylinder, though it was mis-struck at the factory, and there is no "31CAL" marking on the trigger guard, which is not uncommon. The walnut grip is in very good condition, with a lovely color and very little damage or wear. It has however lost most of the original "piano varnish" on both sides of the grip, probably removed during cleaning, with only about 25% remaining. It also had a square brass insert added at the very top of the grip where it meets the frame, definitely an interesting modification.

The revolver functions just about flawlessly, with solid indexing and a firm cylinder lockup. We did not notice any of the usual finicky behavior we often see with revolvers of this age. The barrel to frame connection is solid, with no wobble we can detect. The bore is in very good condition, with a mostly bright finish showing clear lands and grooves, with a bit of past fouling and oxidation in a few areas. It's very rare to see a percussion era revolver with a bore this good! The brass front sight is still present and in very good condition, with just a bit of wear on the top. All five cap nipple cones are clear, showing oxidation and fouling on the exterior from use, and they definitely look to be original.

This is a lovely '49 Pocket dating from just before the Civil War, named to an officer, a great acquisition for any collection. In great condition with a lovely worn look and a great cylinder scene, ready to display!

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: 1853
Caliber: .31cal
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 4 inches
Overall Length: 9 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.