Original U.S. Civil War Colt M1849 Pocket Percussion Revolver with 4" Barrel and Cylinder Scene Made in 1861 - Matching Serial 186731

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, made right at the start of the U.S. Civil War. This very nice example features Serial Number 186731 on the barrel, frame, cylinder, trigger guard, and grip frame, with shortened number 86731 on the barrel wedge and 6731 on the arbor pin and loading rammer. This makes this a very desirable "ALL MATCHING" example of the M1849 Pocket revolver, without any parts swapped out over the years!

The serial number indicates indicates the year of manufacture as 1861, right at the start of the U.S. Civil War, so it almost certainly saw service during the conflict, possibly on either side. Five shot percussion, .31 caliber with a 4" barrel, and is in nice tight condition with a very nice peppery patina on the steel portions. The grip frame and trigger guard actually still retain close to 40% of the original nickel plating, with the rest showing a nice polished patina. Additionally, over 50% of the original "Stagecoach Robbery" engraved cylinder scene can still be seen, which is usually completely worn away. It also still shows a faint COLT'S PATENT / No. marking above and next to the serial number. Often we see these with the markings completely removed from the cylinder, so this is a real treat!

This lovely revolver features the Colt 'Hartford' two line address marking, still fully legible across the top of the octagonal barrel:-

ADDRESS SAM'L COLT
HARTFORD CT

There is still debate over the use of the "Hartford" address during this period, however it is thought that many of the revolvers so marked were specifically made for orders doing to the South during the years leading up to the Civil War. New York was viewed as the center of the abolitionist movement, so changing the address to Hartford, the actual address of the Colt Factory, was a way to make the revolvers more acceptable in the South. There are many known Confederate used Colt revolvers that had the Hartford address.

The revolver bears 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. The walnut grips are in very good condition, with a lovely color and showing the usual period wear. They have lost much of of the original "piano varnish" finish. The nickel plating on the trigger guard and grip frame is still well retained in areas, particularly under the hammer and under the frame of the revolver. The brass front sight is still present and in very good condition, though it is a bit worn down.

The revolver functions very well, with solid indexing and a firm cylinder lockup. It can be a bit finicky at times, as expected for a revolver of this age. The barrel to frame connection is solid, looking to have been adjusted in the past. The bore is in very good condition, showing clear lands and grooves with a partly bright finish. There is definitely wear from use and cleaning away past fouling and oxidation, so it does look to have seen a good amount of service during the war, and possibly afterwards. All five cap nipple cones are clear, showing oxidation and fouling on the exterior from use. One looks to have been replaced in the past.

This is a lovely "All Matching" '49 Pocket dating from the beginning of the Civil War, a great acquisition for any collection. In lovely condition with a great look and cylinder scene, ready to display!

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: 1861
Caliber: .31cal
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 4 inches
Overall Length: 9 inches
Action: Single Action Percussion
Feed System: 5 Shot Revolver

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