Original Item: Only One Available. This is a wonderful early-production Colt Model 1849 Pocket Percussion Revolver manufactured in 1852, less than a decade before the outbreak of the American Civil War. With its desirable 6-inch barrel, matching serial numbers throughout, substantial surviving silver plating, original walnut grip, and exceptionally strong bore, it is an especially appealing example of one of Samuel Colt’s most successful percussion revolvers.

The Colt Model 1849 Pocket was essentially a scaled-down companion to the larger .36 caliber Model 1851 Navy, with both designs developed during the same period. Compact, reliable, and easily carried, the five-shot .31 caliber Pocket became immensely popular with civilians, travelers, military officers, and anyone seeking a practical repeating sidearm during the mid-19th century.

This revolver bears serial number: 40269. The full serial number is correctly stamped on the barrel assembly, frame, cylinder, trigger guard, and grip frame. The abbreviated number: 269 is present on the barrel wedge and cylinder arbor pin.

The consistent numbering throughout makes this a highly desirable all-matching example, with no indication that its principal components were exchanged during its long history.

Serial number 40269 dates manufacture to 1852, placing this revolver relatively early in Model 1849 production. It was already nearly a decade old when the Civil War began and may well have remained in use during the conflict, although no specific wartime history is currently documented.

This example retains the desirable 6-inch octagonal barrel, giving it a longer sight radius and a particularly well-balanced appearance. The original finish has largely faded to an attractive mottled gray patina, with the revolver’s original geometry and markings still well preserved. There is evidence of past oxidation and peppering that has since been cleaned, but the revolver retains an honest, well-used appearance.

A particularly scarce and attractive feature is the amount of original silver plating still present on the brass trigger guard and grip frame. Approximately 60 percent of the plating remains, now naturally tarnished with age. The silver has worn through along the corners and rear of the grip frame, exposing brass that has developed a pleasing mustard-colored patina.

The cylinder retains approximately 25 percent of its original Stagecoach Robbery roll-engraved scene. Although much of the scene has faded from handling and use, portions remain visible, and the accompanying marking near the serial number is unusually clear:

COLT’S PATENT
№

The top of the octagonal barrel retains the deeply struck early two-line Colt address between the correct decorative ornaments:

ADDRESS SAML COLT
NEW-YORK CITY

The left side of the frame is correctly marked:

COLTS PATENT

There is no “31 CAL” marking on the trigger guard, which is not unusual on early-production Model 1849 revolvers manufactured before Colt introduced additional pocket models in larger “Navy caliber” chamberings.

The original brass bead front sight remains present and shows only light wear.

The one-piece walnut grip is in very good service-used condition, displaying a beautiful aged color and expected wear around the base. There are no significant cracks, missing sections, or other major damage. Approximately 50 percent of the original high-gloss “piano varnish” finish remains on both sides, an especially desirable feature on a revolver manufactured more than 170 years ago.

Mechanically, the revolver functions well overall. The action cycles with relatively good indexing and firm cylinder lockup. There is wear within the mechanism, and the cylinder can overshoot on some chambers when the action is operated quickly. Cycling the revolver slowly results in more consistent indexing.

The barrel-to-frame connection has a small amount of movement and does not appear to have been tightened or adjusted in the past.

The bore is one of the strongest features of this revolver. It remains in excellent condition, showing a bright finish with crisp lands and grooves. Only minor evidence of past fouling and oxidation is visible, primarily near the forcing cone.

The distinctive Colt progressive rifling remains clearly visible. This is unquestionably one of the finest bores we have encountered in some time on an early Colt percussion pocket revolver.

All five percussion nipples remain intact and clear. Their exteriors display expected oxidation and black powder fouling from use, while repeated hammer strikes have caused wear and deformation to the ends of each nipple.

Overall, this is an extremely attractive early Colt Model 1849 Pocket Revolver with an excellent combination of originality, finish, matching numbers, mechanical condition, and display appeal. Its early 1852 production date, desirable 6-inch barrel, surviving silver plating and varnish, clear markings, and outstanding bore make it a particularly compelling example.

A fine addition to any advanced Colt, antebellum, Civil War, or early American firearms collection, ready for further research and display.

Specifications:

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

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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.