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 that looks to have seen only light service, produced right at the start of the U.S. Civil War. The revolver features Serial Number 132894 on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, and grip frame, with shortened numbers 2894 on the loading rammer and cylinder arbor pin. The cylinder is not matching, marked with 120630, relatively close in range, making this a very nice "Mostly Matching" example, with the cylinder swapped out at some point, possibly during the Civil War.

The serial number indicates indicates the year of manufacture for most components as 1857, with the cylinder made in 1856, 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 4" barrel, the revolver is in nice tight condition with a very nice aged patina on the steel portions, with no signs of major rusting. The grip frame and trigger guard show a lovely "mustard" patina, with the original nickel plating almost completely gone. Additionally, about 50% of the original "Stagecoach Robbery" engraved cylinder scene can still be seen, which is usually completely worn away. It also still shows the COLT'S PATENT / No. marking next to the serial number. Often we see these with the markings completely removed from the cylinder, so this is a real treat!

The Colt early two line address is marked in two lines across the top of the octagonal barrel, correct for the shorter barrel lengths:-

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. The walnut grip is in very good condition, with a lovely color, having been refinished at some point during its life. There is a repair on the left side front toe, and wear through the varnish, so the revolver has definitely saw use after the grip was repaired. The brass bead front sight has been replaced by a nickel silver wedge.

The revolver functions very well, with solid indexing and a firm cylinder lockup. We did not notice any of the usual finicky behavior we often see with revolvers of this age. The barrel to frame connection has just a bit of wobble, but does not look to have been adjusted in the past either. 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 cleaned away, making this a truly fantastic bore for a Civil War percussion revolver. 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, probably reworked a bit during the conflict. A great acquisition for any collection. In lovely condition with a great used look and a partial cylinder scene, ready to display!

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: 1857 & 1856
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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