Original U.S. Civil War Era Colt M1849 .31cal Pocket Percussion Revolver with 6" Barrel Made in 1858 - Matching Serial 146001

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 dark gray patina, and the markings very well preserved. This impressive example features Serial Number 146001 on the barrel, frame, cylinder, trigger guard, and grip frame, with shortened number 6001 on the loading rammer and cylinder arbor pin, while the barrel wedge is marked 46001. 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 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, while the rest displays an aged "mustard" patina. Unlike most we see, the "Stagecoach Robbery" cylinder scene is still well retained at over 70%, and there is a 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. The walnut grip is in very good condition, with a lovely color, though it definitely has been sanded flat on both sides, probably to remove past damage. There is some wear around the edge, and the wood has shrunk, so the frame protrudes on the back of the grip. The brass bead front sight is still present, showing light wear.

The revolver does cycle, but the cylinder lock does not present as far as it should, so the cylinder does not lock, even at the fully cocked position. The ratchet on the back of the cylinder is also quite worn, so the hand sometimes sticks when engaging it. The revolver properly breaks down by removing the barrel wedge, and the barrel to frame connection is secure, with no wobble that we can detect. The bore is in very good condition, showing a mostly bright finish with strong lands and grooves. There is some past oxidation on the breech end close to the forcing cone, 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: 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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