Original U.S. Civil War Era Colt M1849 .31cal Pocket Percussion Revolver with 4" Barrel Made in 1856 - Matching Serial 123316

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 service used example, showing the original geometry well, with the original finish now faded to a lovely gray patina, with the markings very well preserved. This impressive example features Serial Number 123316 on the barrel, frame, cylinder, trigger guard, and grip frame, with shortened number 3316 on the loading rammer and cylinder arbor pin, while the barrel wedge is marked 23316. This makes this a very desirable "ALL MATCHING" example of the M1849 Pocket revolver, without any 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 1856, 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 4" 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 show a lovely "mustard" patina, with the original nickel plating completely gone. As with many we see, the "Stagecoach Robbery" cylinder scene is completely worn away, however there is still a faint COLT'S PATENT / № marking next to the serial number.

The Colt early two line address is marked in two lines across the top of the octagonal barrel, correct for the shorter barrel lengths:-

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. The walnut grip is in very good condition, with a lovely color, still retaining most of the original "piano varnish" finish. There is some wear through around the bottom edge, as is common, and overall wear from service. The brass bead front sight is still present, showing light wear.

The revolver functions very well, with solid indexing and a firm cylinder lockup. We did not notice any of the usual finicky behavior we often see with revolvers of this age, though the hammer does have some slop in the action. The barrel to frame connection has a bit of wobble, but does not look to have been adjusted in the past either. The bore is in very good condition, showing a mostly bright finish with clear lands and grooves. There are however some areas of past oxidation, now cleaned away, which eroded the interior surface, so this is definitely a revolver that saw some real use. All five cap nipple cones are clear, showing oxidation and fouling on the exterior from use.

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

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: 1856
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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