Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original U.S. Colt Model 1849 Pocket .31 caliber percussion revolver, serial number 35987, manufactured in 1852 and fitted with the desirable 6" octagonal barrel. The revolver retains matching numbers on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, and grip frame, a very good bore, much of the original grip varnish, and a replacement period cylinder retaining approximately 75% of its Stagecoach Robbery scene. The cylinder and barrel wedge are non-matching replacements, both fully disclosed below.

This is an antique black powder firearm manufactured before 1899. Under federal law, it may generally be owned within the United States without a special license or permit and does not require transfer through a Federal Firearms Licensee. However, state and local laws may vary. This firearm is sold solely as a historical collector’s item and has not been test fired or inspected for firing safety by a professional gunsmith. Any mechanical or bore observations provided below describe only its present condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that the firearm is safe to load or fire. The purchaser is solely responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

The Colt Model 1849 Pocket was a compact five shot .31 caliber percussion revolver developed alongside Colt’s larger Model 1851 Navy. It became one of Colt’s most successful percussion handguns and was widely carried as a civilian pocket revolver throughout the antebellum period and Civil War era.

The principal components are serial numbered:

35987

on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, and grip frame. The loading lever carries the abbreviated matching number:

5987

while the cylinder arbor is marked:

987

The cylinder is a period replacement numbered:

61845

with a horizontally struck 2 beside the serial number. The barrel wedge is likewise a period fabricated replacement rather than the original numbered component.

Serial number 35987 places manufacture of the principal revolver components in 1852, several years before the beginning of the Civil War. While revolvers of this type were certainly in widespread circulation during the conflict, no individual wartime service history is documented for this particular example.

The top of the octagonal barrel retains the early two line Colt address, deeply struck and fully legible:

ADDRESS SAML COLT
NEW YORK CITY

The left side of the frame is marked:

COLTS PATENT

No 31 CAL marking is present on the trigger guard, which is consistent with examples from this period, as pocket revolvers of larger calibers had yet to be introduced.

The replacement five shot cylinder is particularly attractive, retaining approximately 75% of its original Stagecoach Robbery scene. The:

COLT'S PATENT
№

marking beside the cylinder serial number remains clearly discernible.

The steel components have developed an attractive aged gray patina with scattered evidence of old peppering that has since been cleaned. Traces of original blue remain in protected areas, and the revolver preserves its original contours without signs of major refinishing. The brass grip frame and trigger guard retain a substantial amount of their original plated finish, which appears silver colored with areas of blue toned oxidation to the underlying or intermediate finish.

The one piece walnut grip is in very good condition with an attractive aged color and retains most of its original piano varnish. Wear is concentrated around the lower edge, together with scattered handling marks from service, but no major cracks or repairs are noted. The brass bead front sight remains present with only light wear.

Mechanically, the revolver presently functions very well, with positive indexing and firm cylinder lockup. There is some general mechanical play from age and use, but no significant inconsistent behavior was noted during inspection. The barrel to frame connection remains secure, and removal of the replacement wedge allows the revolver to be taken down normally for cleaning.

The bore is in very good condition with a mostly bright surface and clearly defined lands and grooves. There is evidence of old oxidation and fouling that has since been cleaned, becoming somewhat more pronounced near the forcing cone. All five percussion nipples remain clear and show exterior oxidation and fouling consistent with period use. These observations describe only the revolver’s present mechanical and bore condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that it is safe to load or fire.

With its 1852 manufacture date, 6" barrel, matching serial number 35987 across the principal frame and barrel components, strong early Colt markings, approximately 75% Stagecoach Robbery scene on the period replacement cylinder, substantial surviving grip varnish and plated finish, and very good bore, this is an appealing early Colt Model 1849 Pocket revolver. The non-matching cylinder, fabricated replacement barrel wedge, cleaned peppering, mechanical play, and old bore oxidation are all fully disclosed. It would fit especially well in a Colt Model 1849 Pocket, antebellum American revolver, Civil War era sidearm, or advanced percussion firearms collection.

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: 1852
Manufacturer: Colt’s Patent Fire Arms Manufacturing Company
Model: 1849 Pocket
Serial No.: 35987
Caliber: .31cal
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 6 inches
Overall Length: 11 inches
Action: Single Action Percussion Revolver
Feed System: 5 Shot Cylinder
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.