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 matured example, showing the original geometry well, with the original finish now faded to peppery patina, and the markings somewhat worn. It comes with period accessories, including a worn leather holster, .31-caliber bullet mold, and a powder flask, which is missing the stopper. Together these make this a cohesive offering of a Colt pocket made just prior to the civil war.

This impressive example features Serial Number 169142 on the barrel, frame, cylinder, trigger guard, and grip frame, with shortened number 9142  on the loading lever and cylinder arbor pin, while the barrel wedge is marked 69142. This makes this a very desirable "ALL MATCHING" example of the M1849 Pocket revolver, without any serialized parts swapped out over the years.

The serial number indicates indicates the year of manufacture as 1860, only a few short years before the start of the U.S. Civil War, so it has a likelihood of having seen service during the conflict. Five shot percussion, .31 caliber with a 4" barrel, the revolver is in nice tight condition with a very nice aged peppery patina on the steel portions, showing past oxidation on the exterior. Like most we see, the grip frame and trigger guard have lost all of the original plating present, and display an aged "mustard" patina. The cylinder also has seen wear, so the original "Stagecoach Robbery" scene and "COLT'S PATENT / №" marking next to the serial are both gone.

The Colt early two line address is marked in two lines across the top of the octagonal barrel, which shows wear from past removed oxidation.:-

It also has the correct COLTS PATENT on the left frame under the cylinder, though there is no "31CAL" marking on the trigger guard, which is not uncommon for this time period, prior to the introduction of .36-caliber pocket revolvers. The walnut grip is in very good condition, with a lovely color, though it has lost all of the original finish from cleaning, and shows overall wear. There is however no major damage such as cracks or large chunks missing.

The revolver functions very well, with accurate indexing, a solid cylinder lockup, and a crisp dry fire. We did not notice any of the finicky behavior that we often see with revolvers of this age. The revolver properly breaks down by removing the barrel wedge, and the barrel to frame connection is secure, with no wobble that we can detect. The bore is in very good condition, showing a partly bright finish with clear lands and grooves. The Colt "progressive rifling" is easily visible. There is past oxidation and fouling evident, and the bore shows increasing oxidation closer to the forcing cone. All five cap nipple cones are clear, showing oxidation and fouling on the exterior from use, with one showing damage from part of it cracking away. The "safety pins" on the back of the cylinder are completely worn away.

The included accessories are all correct for the period, though they do not have any definitive link to the revolver. The leather holster is quite worn, showing past repairs and missing components. It may originally have had a belt loop on the back, but now it has two cut slots for a belt. The securing strap shows a repair, and there are also some old tape repairs present. The bullet mold shows some oxidation, and still hinges open correctly. The powder horn is in very good condition, with the missing top / stopper being the main deficiency.

This 1860-production Colt Model 1849 Pocket Revolver is all matching, with full Serial No. 169142 on the barrel, frame, cylinder, trigger guard, and grip frame, and the corresponding abbreviated number 69142 or 9142 on the smaller numbered components. The revolver remains mechanically strong, with accurate indexing, solid cylinder lockup, a secure barrel-to-frame fit, and a clearly rifled bore showing localized oxidation and fouling. Its original finish has largely aged to a mottled patina, the cylinder scene and patent marking are no longer visible, and the grip has been cleaned, while one percussion nipple is damaged and the cylinder safety pins are worn away. The included period holster, .31-caliber bullet mold, and powder flask are not documented to the revolver, but provide an appropriate period presentation despite their individual wear and missing components. Together, the matching-number configuration, 1860 production date, sound mechanics, and accompanying period accessories make this a well-preserved Civil War-era Colt pocket revolver set.

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: 1860
Manufacturer: Colt’s Patent Fire Arms Manufacturing Company
Model: 1849 Pocket
Caliber: .31cal
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 4 inches
Overall Length: 9 inches
Action: Single Action Percussion Revolver
Feed System: 5 Shot Cylinder
Federal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.

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.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

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.