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 example was made shortly after the U.S. Civil War ended in 1868. Gun is in good used condition and fully functional, with a lovely patina. Action and barrel frame lock up is good, with a bit of wobble. This revolver saw extensive service in the "Old West", most likely being used in the Indian Wars on the earliest days of the Western Frontier. 

The serial Number 303493 can be found on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, and grip frame. Shortened number 3493 is found on the cylinder arbor pin and cylinder, while the barrel wedge is an unmarked arsenal replacement. Interestingly, the trigger guard serial number is missing the second to last digit, with a space between 4 and 3, a rare mistake at the factory. The serial number indicates indicates the year of manufacture as 1868, during the post Civil War Indian Wars era. 

Of further interest is that while this revolver has a serial number over 187000, it still has a five round .31 caliber cylinder, instead of the usual 6. With the long 6" barrel, this definitely a "Special Order" revolver, with a nice aged finish on the steel. The Colt New York single line address is still mostly legible across the top of the octagonal barrel -

It also has the correct COLTS PATENT on the left frame under the cylinder, with the 31CAL marking still present on the left side of the trigger guard. The walnut grips are in very good shape, with a lovely color and the expected patina of age. They have however lost all of the original "piano varnish" finish.

The revolver functions well, with good indexing and a crisp dry fire. There is some slop in the mechanics however, and it can be finicky if the revolver muzzle is tilted upwards. The bore shows clear lands and grooves, but also fouling and oxidation from extensive use. The cap nipples are all in good shape, though only 5 are clear. One cylinder looks like it may have had a ball pressed all the way to the back of the chamber and squeezed in place.

This is a very nice '49 Pocket dating from the Indian Wars, a wonderful acquisition for any collection. In wonderful condition and ready to display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: 1863
Caliber: .31cal
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 6 inches
Overall Length: 11 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.

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.