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 honest used example, showing the original geometry well, with the original finish now faded to a lovely gray mottled patina, with the markings relatively well preserved. This patinated example features Serial Number 40269 on the barrel, frame, cylinder, trigger guard, and grip frame, with shortened number 269 on the barrel wedge and cylinder arbor pin. This makes this a very desirable "ALL MATCHING" example of the M1849 Pocket revolver, without any parts swapped out over the years, and it's definitely a lovely example!

The serial number indicates indicates the year of manufacture for most components as 1852, very early in production! This is less than a decade before the start of the U.S. Civil War, so it most likely saw service during the conflict. Five shot percussion, .31 caliber with a 6" barrel, the revolver is in nice tight condition with a very nice aged patina on the steel portions, with some signs of past peppering, now removed. As a real rarity, the plating on the trigger guard and grip frame is still well retained at about 60%, and looks to be silver, which has now tarnished. There is wear through on the corners and back of the grip, with the brass displaying an aged "mustard" patina.

On this example, the "Stagecoach Robbery" cylinder scene is retained at about 25%, with some areas faintly visible, however the COLT'S PATENT / № marking next to the serial number is actually quite clear! The Colt early two line address is marked across the top of the octagonal barrel between the correct dingbats, and is deeply struck and fully legible:-

It also has the correct small COLTS PATENT on the left frame under the cylinder, though there is no "31CAL" marking on the trigger guard, which is not uncommon during the early years before the introduction of pocket revolvers in "navy caliber". The brass bead front sight is still present, showing light wear. The walnut grip is in very good service used condition, with a lovely color, showing wear around the bottom but no chunks, cracks, or other major damage. The original "piano varnish" finish is retained at about 50% on both sides.

The revolver functions very well, with relatively good indexing and a firm cylinder lockup. It does overshoot on some chambers, and there is definitely wear in the action. If cycled slowly it indexes better. The barrel to frame connection does have a bit of wobble, and has not been adjusted in the past. The bore is in excellent condition, showing a bright finish with crisp lands and grooves, with just a bit of past fouling and oxidation present. This is mostly evident near the forcing cone. The "progressive rifling" is easily visible, and this is definitely one of the best bores we have seen in some time on a Civil War percussion revolver. All five cap nipple cones are clear, showing oxidation and fouling on the exterior from use, and repeated hammer strikes have damaged the ends of all.

This is a lovely '49 Pocket dating from before the Civil War with a lovely aged patina and an excellent bore, a great acquisition for any collection! In lovely condition with an honest used look, ready to display!

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: 1852
Caliber: .31cal
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 6 inches
Overall Length: 11 inches
Action: Single Action Percussion
Feed System: 5 Shot Revolver

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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.

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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.