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 relatively well retained in many areas, though it does show wear and patination. The revolver features Serial Number 110324 on the barrel, frame, cylinder, trigger guard, and grip frame, with shortened number 0324 on the cylinder arbor pin. The barrel wedge is an unmarked replacement, and the loading lever is marked 2230, so it was swapped out long ago. We would consider this a "Mostly Matching" example of the M1849 Pocket revolver, with all the major parts still present, and some smaller parts replaced, most likely after damage.

The serial number indicates the year of manufacture for most components as 1856, only a few short years before the start of the U.S. Civil War, so it is very possible that it saw service during the conflict. Five shot percussion, .31 caliber with a 4" barrel, the revolver is in nice tight condition with a very nice aged finish on the steel components, with no evidence of major oxidation or past restoration. Unlike most we see, the grip frame and trigger guard still retain about 50% of the plating, which looks to be silver, or possibly silver over nickel. The retained plating has a tarnished look, while the exposed brass has matured to a mustard color.

Additionally, the "Stagecoach Robbery" cylinder scene, often completely worn away, is retained at about 75%, still easily discernable, and the COLT'S PATENT / № marking next to the serial number is almost fully present as well. The Colt early two line address is marked in two lines across the top of the octagonal barrel, with a bit of wear from cleaning:-

It also has the correct 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, though it may be a replacement. The walnut grip is in very good used condition, with a lovely color, though it shows wear around the bottom edge, as often seen. It still retains over 80% of the original "Piano Varnish" finish.

The revolver functions very well, with solid indexing and a firm cylinder lockup. We did not notice any of the usual finicky behavior we often see with revolvers of this age. The barrel has a bit of wobble, and does not look to have been adjusted in the past. The bore is in very good condition, showing a partly bright finish with clear lands and grooves. There is overall past fouling and oxidation, now removed, so the interior has a bit of a matte finish. We presume it was used a fair amount, and not cleaned properly. All five cap nipple cones are present and clear, with two having been replaced somewhat recently, while the other three are original and show fouling and past oxidation.

This is a well-preserved pre-Civil War Colt Model 1849 Pocket Revolver retaining matching serial number 110324 on the barrel, frame, cylinder, trigger guard, and grip frame. Although the loading lever and barrel wedge are replacements, the revolver retains substantial grip-frame plating, approximately 75% of its Stagecoach Robbery cylinder scene, much of the original varnish on the walnut grip, and a clear barrel address. The firm action, solid cylinder lockup, and well-defined bore further distinguish it as an appealing, mostly matching example manufactured in 1856.

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: 1856
Manufacturer: Colt Patent Firearms Co.
Model 1849 Pocket
Caliber: .31cal
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 4 inches
Overall Length: 9 inches
Action: Single Action Percussion
Feed System: 5 Shot Revolver
Federal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique

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.