Original U.S. Civil War Colt M1849 .31cal Pocket Percussion Revolver with 6" Barrel Made in 1858 - Serial 144610

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 example, showing the original geometry well, with the original finish now faded to a lovely mottled gray patina, and the markings are very well preserved. This impressive example features Serial Number 144610 on the barrel, frame, cylinder, trigger guard, and grip frame. The arbor pin has had some adjustment, which has removed the serial number marking, while the loading rammer has a faint 461[0] marking. The barrel wedge is marked 4610, but the font is quite large, so we believe it is most likely a replacement. This makes this a very desirable "Mostly Matching" example of the M1849 Pocket revolver, without any major parts swapped out over the years, and it's definitely a lovely example!

The serial number indicates indicates the year of manufacture for most components as 1858, only a few short years before the start of the U.S. Civil War, so it almost certainly saw service during the conflict. Five shot percussion, .31 caliber with a 6" barrel, the revolver is in nice tight condition with a very nice aged patina on the steel portions, with some signs of past peppering, now removed. The grip frame and trigger guard actually still have some of the original plating present, particularly towards the front, while the rest has has a nice polished brass color. Unlike most we see, the "Stagecoach Robbery" cylinder scene is still well retained at about 50%, and there is a mostly clear COLT'S PATENT / № marking next to the serial number.

The Colt early two line address is clearly marked in two lines across the top of the octagonal barrel:-

ADDRESS SAML COLT
NEW YORK CITY

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 for this time period. There are also various single letter proofs stamped onto various components. The walnut grip is in very good condition, with a lovely color, and still retains over 90% of the original "piano varnish" finish. There is some staining and wear around the bottom edge, but overall it's well above average. The brass bead front sight is still present, showing light wear. The loading rammer works, however the pin that keeps the latch in place is missing, so it can fall out.

The revolver cycles well, with accurate indexing, a strong cylinder lock, and a crisp dry fire. We did not notice any of the usual finicky behavior we often see with revolvers of this age. The revolver properly breaks down by removing the barrel wedge, and the barrel to frame has a bit of wobble. The bore is in excellent condition, showing a bright finish with strong lands and grooves, and the edges of the lands are still crisp! It looks to have seen very little use, and there is just a bit of fouling and oxidation near the forcing cone, and there is a bit towards the muzzle as well. All five cap nipple cones are clear, showing oxidation and fouling on the exterior from use, as well as deformation and cracking from repeated hammer strikes.

This is a lovely '49 Pocket dating from just before the Civil War with a lovely aged patina and a great bore! A great acquisition for any collection. In lovely condition with a great used look, ready to display!

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: 1858
Caliber: .31cal
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 6 inches
Overall Length: 11 inches
Action: Single Action Percussion
Feed System: 5 Shot Revolver

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