Colt Model 1849 Pocket .31 Cal — Percussion Single Action Revolver – Antique 1860
SOLD FOR: $ 1,100.01
Make: Colt
Model: Model 1849 Pocket
Serial Number: 177635
Year of Manufacture: 1860
Caliber: .31 Caliber Cap & Ball
Action Type: Single Action Percussion Revolver
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “Address Sam Colt / Hartford Ct.” The left side of the barrel assembly is marked with a “2”. The left side of the grip frame and trigger guard are marked “B” and “g”. The back strap, trigger guard, frame, barrel assembly, wedge and cylinder are all marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 5″
Sights / Optics: This revolver is mounted with a notched hammer rear sight and a bead front sight at the muzzle.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are one piece varnished wood, with original finish. There is a missing chip at the left heel. The grips otherwise show scattered dings and marks, but no spits or cracks. There is much original finish retained, and except where there have been losses, the fit is exceptional. The grips rate in about Very Good – Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue, Case Hardened & Silver Plate
Finish Originality: Factory Original
Bore Condition: The bore is somewhat rough and the rifling is strong and visible the entire length. There is erosion, though this is a better than average bore, probably 6 out of 10 for its age.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 10% of its metal finish. The steel parts show no metal finish, with a very mottled finish and with scattered erosion. There is faint evidence of an old cleaning, though the metal shows a nice age and metal was not removed during the cleaning. There are traces of original silver plate on the underside of the trigger guard. The Screw heads are sharp, with just a bit of wear. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this revolver.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: The family of Colt Pocket Percussion Revolvers evolved from the earlier commercial revolvers marketed by the Paterson Arms Company of Paterson, NJ. The smaller versions of Colt’s first revolvers are also called “Baby Patersons” by collectors and were produced in .24 to .31 calibers. The .31 caliber carried over into Samuel Colt’s second venture in the arms trade in the form of the “Baby Dragoon”-a small revolver developed in 1847-48. The “Baby Dragoon” was in parallel development with Colt’s other revolvers and, by 1850, it had evolved into the Revolving Pocket Pistol that collectors now name “The Pocket Model of 1849.” This is an important Civil War era Colt percussion revolver, acceptable for any collection and in better condition than most encountered.
