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 lovely example features Serial Number 332285 on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, and grip frame. The cylinder and cylinder arbor pin have shortened number 285, while the barrel wedge is an unmarked replacement. This makes this a very nice "Mostly Matching" example of the M1849 Pocket revolver, without any major parts swapped out over the years! The revolver has a great "frontier used" look, with the original finish mostly worn away, replaced by a mottled peppery patina.

The serial number indicates indicates the year of manufacture as 1873, some years after the end of the U.S. Civil War, during the "reconstruction era". This most likely saw service in the "Old West", most likely being used in the Indian Wars during the early days of the Western Frontier. As this revolver has a serial number over 187000, we would expect it to have a six round caliber cylinder, but for some reason it has the early pattern 5 round cylinder. The revolver is in .31 caliber with a 4" barrel, in nice tight condition with a lovely worn patina on the steel and iron parts.

The cylinder does show some past peppering in oxidation, but in other areas there is still about 40% of the original "Stagecoach Holdup" cylinder scene still visible, which is often completely worn away, though the "COLTS PATENT" marking by the serial number is all but gone. The later Colt "Single Line" address is still present across the top of the octagonal barrel -

The COLTS PATENT marking is still present on the left frame under the cylinder, and the brass trigger guard has the correct 31 CAL marking on the left side. The trigger guard and frame have lost the original plating, however they only show light wear and a lovely lightly oxidized patina, with crisp markings. The iron and steel parts of the revolver show a very nice gray mottled patina, with some past peppering in areas but no major oxidation. Just a great honest used look from use and cleaning. The walnut grip is in very good condition, with a lovely color and wear around the bottom, and no large chips we can see. The original "piano varnish" finish is partially retained, with about 80% still present.

The revolver functions very well, with accurate indexing, smooth action, and a firm cylinder lockup. Really as close to "Tight as a Drum" as these come! We did not notice of any of the finicky behavior we often see on revolvers of this age. The revolver properly breaks down by removing the barrel wedge, and the barrel to frame connection is rock solid, with no signs of adjustment. The bore is in very good condition, showing clear lands and grooves with a partly bright finish. There is some wear and past fouling, now removed, but no major issues, and the "progressive" rifling is still easily visible. Definitely well above average for a black powder era bore. All of the cap nipples look to be original and all five are clear, showing wear and oxidation to the exterior.

This is a lovely '49 Pocket dating from the Indian Wars Era with a nice honest used look and a lobrly bore. A wonderful acquisition for any collection!

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: 1873
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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