{"product_id":"original-u-s-pre-civil-war-colt-m1849-wells-fargo-pocket-percussion-revolver-with-iron-trigger-guard-made-in-1856-serial-113371","title":"Original U.S. Pre Civil War Colt M1849 \"Wells Fargo\" Pocket Percussion Revolver with Iron Trigger Guard made in 1856 - Serial 113371","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal 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!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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 \u003cstrong\u003e113371\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost importantly, the original \"Stagecoach Robbery\" cylinder engraving can still be seen, and is more than 75% intact! The \u003cstrong\u003eCOLTS PATENT\u003c\/strong\u003e 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 \u003cstrong\u003eCOLTS PATENT\u003c\/strong\u003e marking on the left side of the frame is quite faint for the same reason.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a very nice \"Wells Fargo\" '49 Pocket dating from just before Civil War, with some rare features. A wonderful acquisition for any collection!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYear of Manufacture: 1856\u003cbr\u003eCaliber: .31cal\u003cbr\u003eAmmunition Type: Cap and Ball\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBarrel Length: 3 inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 7 3\/4 inches\u003cbr\u003eAction: Single Action Percussion\u003cbr\u003eFeed System: 5 Shot Revolver\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNOTE: 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39915162370117,"sku":"ONJR22BL021","price":1495.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/products\/ONJR22BL021__02.jpg?v=1648657780","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-pre-civil-war-colt-m1849-wells-fargo-pocket-percussion-revolver-with-iron-trigger-guard-made-in-1856-serial-113371","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}