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. The serial Number 225117 can be found on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, and grip frame. The cylinder is marked with 25117, while the cylinder arbor pin is marked with 5117. The barrel wedge is an unmarked arsenal spare. This would be considered "Mostly Matching", and barrel wedges are the piece most often lost or damaged.

The serial number indicates indicates the year of manufacture as 1863, during the middle of the U.S. Civil War, so it almost certainly saw service during the conflict. As this revolver has a serial number over 187000, it has a six round .31 caliber cylinder, instead of the previous five. It also features a 5" barrel, and is in nice tight condition with nice aged finish on the steel. Additionally, portions of the original "Stagecoach Robbery" cylinder engraving can still be seen, which is often completely worn away. The COLT'S PATENT marking is mostly intact as well. Often we see these with the markings completely removed from the cylinder, so this is a real treat!

The Colt New York single line address is still crisp and fully legible across the top of the octagonal barrel -

It also has the correct COLTS PATENT on the left frame under the cylinder, though there is no caliber marking, which is not uncommon. The walnut grips are in very good shape, with a lovely color. They have however had all of the original "piano varnish" finish wear away, and are now bare oiled walnut. There is a bit of the original nickel plating still visible in areas on the trigger guard.

The revolver functions well, with a crisp action and good excellent indexing and lockup, however if the muzzle is pointed upward, the hand gets stuck on the ratchet. When it is level or pointed downwards it cycles just fine. There is definitely wear to the mechanics, and there is some wobble in the barrel frame connection. The bore is in very good condition for a percussion revolver, with clear lands and grooves and a partly bright finish. There is oxidation and wear on the interior, which is more pronounced near the forcing cone. The brass front sight is still present and in very good condition. All 6 cap nipple cones are intact and clear, though they do show some oxidation and powder burn to the exterior.

This is a very nice '49 Pocket dating from the Civil War, a very nice acquisition for any collection. In wonderful condition and ready to display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: 1863
Caliber: .31cal
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 5 inches
Overall Length: 10 inches
Action: Single Action Percussion
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver

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