Original Item: Only One Available. This is a great example of the Colt M1849 Pocket Percussion Revolver with a rare special order short 3" barrel, often referred to as the "Wells Fargo Model". It also has a very rare iron trigger guard and grip frame, instead of the usual nickel plated brass. Aside from this, the cylinder scene is almost fully complete, visible around the entire cylinder, something that we almost never see!

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. The serial Number 113371 can be found on the barrel, frame, Trigger guard, and grip frame, with shortened number 3371 on the cylinder arbor pin. This indicates the year of manufacture as 1856, meaning this Colt revolver falls right before the U.S. Civil War. The cylinder is non-matching, with serial number 118069 indicating production in the same year.

The barrel on these so-called "Wells Fargo" models is a very short 3" in length, allowing the weapon to easily concealed. There is no provision for a loading rammer, hence the cylinder needed to be removed to be reloaded. Despite the nickname there is NO EVIDENCE of any collaboration or order for these weapons between Wells Fargo and the Colt Manufacturing Company.

As this revolver has a serial number under 187000, it has a five round .31 caliber cylinder, instead of the later six. A very interesting example with a special order short 3" barrel, in nice tight condition with a great aged finish throughout. The rare iron trigger guard and grip frame are nice shape, with a lovely patina. There is no caliber marking, as at this time the pocket pistols in .36 had not been introduced.

Most importantly, the original "Stagecoach Robbery" cylinder engraving can still be seen, and is more than 75% intact! The COLTS PATENT marking is intact as well, and the engraving throughout the cylinder is visible. Appears to be in perfect functioning condition, with a lovely aged look. The top of the barrel unfortunately only has traces of the original address marking, worn away from oxidation and cleaning. The patent COLTS PATENT marking on the left side of the frame is quite faint for the same reason.

The walnut grips are in very good shape, with a nice color and the expected patina of age. They have much of the original "Piano varnish" finish that was applied at the factory. The revolver is tight with firm lock-up and the action functions correctly, though it can be a bit finicky, as any firearm of this age and condition. The bore shows lands and grooves, though does have some fouling and corrosion.

This is a very nice "Wells Fargo" '49 Pocket dating from just before Civil War, with some rare features. A wonderful acquisition for any collection!

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: 1856
Caliber: .31cal
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 3 inches
Overall Length: 7 3/4 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.