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 well worn example, which looks to have seen long service, and was most likely arsenal refurbished during the war using components from another revolver. This patinated example features somewhat faint serial number 59691 on the frame, indicating production in 1853. The barrel, trigger guard, grip frame (faint), and cylinder are marked with serial number 175287, indicating 1860 production, and there is with shortened number 5287 on the loading rammer. The barrel wedge is marked with 50153, having been swapped at arsenal.

With all components made prior to 1861, they all almost certainly saw service during the U.S. Civil War. It also features the Colt 'Hartford' two line address marking still fully legible across the top of the octagonal barrel:-

ADDRESS SAM'L COLT
HARTFORD CT

There is still debate over the use of the "Hartford" address during this period, however it is thought that many of the revolvers so marked were specifically made for orders doing to the South during the years leading up to the Civil War. New York was viewed as the center of the abolitionist movement, so changing the address to Hartford, the actual address of the Colt Factory, was a way to make the revolvers more acceptable in the South. There are many known Confederate used Colt revolvers that had the Hartford address.

In light of this, there is a very strong chance that this revolver was used by confederate forces. They did not have easy access to Colt firearms after the war began, so a revolver being rebuild using components on hand is typical of what confederate armories had to do to keep their forces armed during the war. Definitely some great history to this revolver, worthy of further research.

As this revolver has a serial number under 187000, it has the earlier 5 round .31 caliber cylinder, instead of the later six. It features a short 4" barrel, and is in nice well used and patinated condition, showing past peppering and oxidation in many areas. As would be expected, the plating is completely worn from the grips, and the cylinder scene is also completely worn away, as is the "COLTS PATENT" on the cylinder.

There is still a somewhat faint 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 and showing light to moderate wear from service. It looks like it may have been refinished with new "piano varnish", which was also applied over the brass grip frame and trigger guard at the same time. This finish is still relatively well retained, and gives it a great look.

The revolver functions relatively well, still cycling well, with relatively accurate indexing. It is however finicky, and the cylinder lock is not strong at all. This is definitely a revolver that saw extensive use. The barrel to frame connection has a bit of wobble. The bore still shows clear rifling, with a partly bright finish, showing past fouling and oxidation, now removed. The brass front sight is still present but has been worn down almost flat. The cap nipple cones are all present and clear, however all are worn and damaged from use and hammer strikes.

This is a very interesting arsenal rebuilt '49 Pocket dating from just before the Civil War, a great acquisition for any collection. With strong chance of confederate usage, this is definitely well worth further research.

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: 1853 & 1860
Caliber: .31cal
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 4 inches
Overall Length: 9 inches
Action: Single Action Percussion
Feed System: 5 Shot Revolver

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.