{"product_id":"original-u-s-pre-civil-war-colt-model-1849-pocket-31-caliber-percussion-revolver-made-in-1852-with-6-barrel-and-excellent-bore-all-matching-serial-no-40269","title":"Original U.S. Pre-Civil War Colt Model 1849 Pocket .31 Caliber Percussion Revolver Made in 1852 with 6\" Barrel and Excellent Bore - All Matching Serial No. 40269","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis revolver bears serial number: \u003cstrong\u003e40269. \u003c\/strong\u003eThe full serial number is correctly stamped on the barrel assembly, frame, cylinder, trigger guard, and grip frame. The abbreviated number: \u003cstrong\u003e269\u003c\/strong\u003e is present on the barrel wedge and cylinder arbor pin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe consistent numbering throughout makes this a highly desirable all-matching example, with no indication that its principal components were exchanged during its long history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSerial number \u003cstrong\u003e40269 dates manufacture to 1852\u003c\/strong\u003e, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOLT’S PATENT\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e№\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe top of the octagonal barrel retains the deeply struck early two-line Colt address between the correct decorative ornaments:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eADDRESS SAML COLT\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNEW-YORK CITY\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe left side of the frame is correctly marked:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOLTS PATENT\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original brass bead front sight remains present and shows only light wear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMechanically, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe barrel-to-frame connection has a small amount of movement and does not appear to have been tightened or adjusted in the past.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe bore is one of the strongest features of this revolver. It remains in excellent condition\u003c\/strong\u003e, showing a bright finish with crisp lands and grooves. Only minor evidence of past fouling and oxidation is visible, primarily near the forcing cone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA fine addition to any advanced Colt, antebellum, Civil War, or early American firearms collection, ready for further research and display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYear of Manufacture: 1852\u003cbr\u003eCaliber: .31 Caliber\u003cbr\u003eAmmunition Type: Cap and Ball Percussion\u003cbr\u003eBarrel Length: 6 Inches\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 11 Inches\u003cbr\u003eAction: Single Action Percussion Revolver\u003cbr\u003eFeed System: 5-Shot Cylinder\u003cbr\u003e\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":45330712526917,"sku":"ONJR26FERA067","price":1395.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/960124E4-F05D-4D2F-A01F-BDF94485242A.jpg?v=1783710319","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-pre-civil-war-colt-model-1849-pocket-31-caliber-percussion-revolver-made-in-1852-with-6-barrel-and-excellent-bore-all-matching-serial-no-40269","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}