Item: ONSV23NOS168

Original U.S. Indian Wars Era Colt M1849 Pocket Percussion Revolver with 4" Barrel & Cylinder Scene made in 1869 - Serial 319157

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  • 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 319157 on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, and grip frame. The cylinder and  cylinder arbor pin have shortened number 9157, while the barrel wedge is marked 19157. This makes this a very desirable "ALL MATCHING" example of the M1849 Pocket revolver, without any parts swapped out over the years! The revolver has a great worn look, and it has a wonderful original walnut grip.


    The serial number indicates indicates the year of manufacture as 1869, just three years after the end of the U.S. Civil War, so it almost certainly saw service during the post war "reconstruction" era. It also very likely saw service in the "Old West", most likely being used in the Indian Wars on the earliest days of the Western Frontier. Interestingly, even though the revolver has a serial number over 187000, it still has the earlier five round .31 caliber cylinder, instead of the later six. The revolver is in .31 caliber with a 4" barrel, in nice tight condition with nice aged and polished finish on the steel.


    Unlike most we see, this example still has about 50% of the original "Stagecoach Holdup" cylinder scene present, as well as the COLTS PATENT marking by the serial number. The later Colt "Single Line" address is still present across the top of the octagonal barrel -


    ADDRESS COL SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA


    The COLTS PATENT marking is still present on the left frame under the cylinder, though it is a bit faint. The brass trigger guard has the correct 31 CAL marking on the left side. The walnut grips are in very good condition, with a lovely color and the expected patina of age. The original "piano varnish" finish is very well retained, just worn away on the edges of the bottom, which is very common.


    The revolver functions perfect, with accurate indexing and a firm cylinder lockup. It did not exhibit any of the usual finicky behavior when we tested it. The bore shows clear lands and grooves, though there is definitely some past fouling and oxidation that has been removed. All of the cap nipples look to be original and are clear, showing some wear from age and oxidation. The barrel to frame connection is secure, with no wobble that we can detect.


    This is a very nice '49 Pocket dating from just after the Civil War with a nice honest used look and a nice partial cylinder scene. A wonderful acquisition for any collection.


    Specifications:-


    Year of Manufacture: 1869
    Caliber: .31cal
    Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
    Barrel Length: 4 inches
    Overall Length: 9 inches
    Action: Single Action Percussion
    Feed System: 5 Shot Revolver


    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.


  • This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey

    This product is available for international shipping.
  • Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon

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