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 290482 on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, and grip frame. The cylinder and cylinder arbor pin have shortened number 0482, while the barrel wedge has 90482. 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 lightly used look showing much of the original finish, and it has a wonderful original walnut grip.

The serial number indicates indicates the year of manufacture as 1867, just two 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. As this revolver has a serial number over 187000, it has a six round .31 caliber cylinder, instead of the previous five. The revolver is in .31 caliber with a 6" barrel, in nice tight condition with a lovely worn patina on the steel and iron parts.

Unlike most we see, there is still about 75% of the original "Stagecoach Holdup" cylinder scene still visible, and a complete COLTS PATENT marking by the serial number. We usually see these with the cylinder markings almost completely gone, so this is definitely a great example! 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. 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. There is also still a good amount of the original blued finish on the bottom of the barrel. 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 75% still present.

The revolver functions very well, with accurate indexing, smooth action, and a firm cylinder lockup. 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 secure, just a tiny bit of wobble. 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 6 are clear, showing wear and oxidation to the exterior.

This is a lovely '49 Pocket dating from just after the Civil War with a nice honest used look and a great bore. A wonderful acquisition for any collection!

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: 1866
Caliber: .31cal
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 6 inches
Overall Length: 11 inches
Action: Single Action Percussion
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver

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