Original U.S. Indian Wars Era Excellent Colt M1849 Pocket Percussion Revolver with 4" Barrel & Cylinder Scene Made in 1868 - Matching Serial 305997

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 lovely example features Serial Number 305997 on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, and grip frame. The cylinder, cylinder arbor pin, and barrel wedge have shortened number 5997. This makes this a very desirable "ALL MATCHING" example of the M1849 Pocket revolver, without any parts swapped out over the years! The revolver has a great lightly used look showing much of the original finish, and it has a wonderful original walnut grip.

The serial number indicates indicates the year of manufacture as 1868, just two years after the end of the U.S. Civil War, so it almost certainly saw service during the post war "reconstruction" era. It also very likely saw service in the "Old West", most likely being used in the Indian Wars on the earliest days of the Western Frontier. As this revolver has a serial number over 187000, it has a six round .31 caliber cylinder, instead of the previous five. The revolver is in .31 caliber with a 4" barrel, in nice tight condition with a lovely finish on the steel and iron parts.

Unlike most we see, this example still has over 75% of the original "Stagecoach Holdup" cylinder scene present, as well as the COLTS PATENT marking by the serial number. The later Colt "Single Line" address is still present across the top of the octagonal barrel -

ADDRESS COL SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA

The COLTS PATENT marking is still present on the left frame under the cylinder, and the brass trigger guard has the correct 31 CAL marking on the left side. The trigger guard and frame have lost the original plating, however they show very little wear, and a lovely lightly oxidized patina. The frame, originally case hardened, now shows a gray mottled patina, though there are still trades of the original finish present in areas. The cylinder displays a gray patina from cleaning, but the engraving is still crisp, and the hammer shows some of the original finish as well. The barrel is the best of all, probably retaining at least 50% of the original bluing, with wear around the edges and muzzle. We usually see these with almost no finish left on the barrel, so this is definitely a great example! The walnut grips are in very good condition, with a lovely color and no cracks or major damage. The original "piano varnish" finish is very well retained, just worn away on the edges of the bottom, which is very common.

The revolver functions perfectly, with accurate indexing and a firm cylinder lockup. It did not exhibit any of the usual finicky behavior when we tested it, and there is very little slop in the mechanics. The bore is in excellent condition, showing a bright finish with crisp lands and grooves. There is just a bit of wear and past fouling, now removed, and the machining marks are even still visible in areas. Really an exceptional bore for a black powder percussion revolver! All of the cap nipples look to be original and are clear, showing only light wear and oxidation to the exterior. The barrel to frame connection is secure, with no wobble that we can detect.

This is a fantastic '49 Pocket dating from just after the Civil War with a nice honest lightly used look and a great cylinder scene. A wonderful acquisition for any collection!

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: 1868
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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