Colt Model 1849 Pocket, Pre-Civil War, .31 Caliber Single Action Percussion Revolver MFD 1855 Antique

Sold For: $911.01

LSB#: 170403MG01

Make: Colt

Model: 1849 Pocket

Serial Number: 100749

Year of Manufacture: 1855 http://proofhouse.com/colt/index.html

Caliber: .31 Caliber Ball

Action Type: 5-Shot, Single Action Percussion Revolver

Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “ADDRESS COL. SAML (small “L”) COLT / NEW YORK CITY”. The underside of the barrel, frame, trigger guard plate, toe of the grip frame on the butt, cylinder, loading lever and center pin are marked correctly for serial number “100749”.The left side of the frame is marked “COLT’S PATENT”, the left side of the barrel is marked “3”, the left of the trigger guard bow is marked “8”. The cylinder is marked “COLT’S PATENT / No.” (then the serial number), with a still crisply discernible Stage Coach Robbery scene roll marked, please see our pictures.

Barrel Length: 4”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a small brass post, set to the barrel. The rear sight is a “V” notch in the hammer.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are a one piece walnut stock with a varnish finish. There are areas of rub wear through the varnish, exposing nice natural texturing to the exposed wood, suggesting this is the original finish of this stock. Several deep marks occur through the finish, there are no visible cracks and the wood to metal fit is still very close, please see our pictures. The stock has scuff and compression marks but no major damages. The butt of the stock shows marks that correspond with marks on the butt of the grip strap. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blue, with Case Colored Hammer & Silver Plated Brass Frame

Finish Originality: All Original

Bore Condition: The bore is dark with a few semi-bright spots, the rifling is highly discernible but is interrupted in spots by moderate depth pitting.

Overall Condition: The case coloring has shifted to a silvered gray patina, no bluing remains, the bare metal of these items have a moderate silver patina. The cylinder’s roll marked scene is still vivid. The grip straps have silver plating, these areas have dark patina. All items have several marks and light to mild pitting. The metal to metal fit is still flush, the lines are highly preserved. The screw heads range from light to moderately tooled, but are still serviceable. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Very Good condition for a 162 year old revolver.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a strong mainspring, the cylinder produces light play in full lockup in all 5 chambers. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: This 1849 was made in 1855, it is older than some of America’s STATES, it pre-dates the Civil War and is still in about Very Good condition. The cylinder scene is highly preserved, some silver remains on the grip straps and the stock appears to have its original finish. This would be a great investment piece for your Colt collection. From R.L. Wilson’s ‘The Book of Colt Firearms’, page 107 “This rather diminutive revolver, a smaller brother to the 36 caliber Model 1851 Navy, met with the largest sales unit volume in all of Colt’s percussion line. Indeed, no other percussion revolver made in America could match “The 1849” production record. Made from 1850 through 1873, the total manufactured was in excess of 325,000 in America, plus approximately 11,000 in London…Popular as a defense weapon, many thousands were sold in Western America to pioneer families. Soldiers appreciated the compact little pistols, and photographs of Civil War troops frequently show a sprinkling of the Model 1849 tucked into belts or in holsters.”