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 lovely example features Serial Number 213232 on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, and grip frame, while the cylinder, cylinder arbor pin, barrel wedge, and loading rammer have shortened versions of this number. This makes this a very desirable "ALL MATCHING" example of the M1849 Pocket revolver, without any parts swapped out over the years! The revolver looks great, and it has a wonderful original walnut grip.

The serial number indicates indicates the year of manufacture as 1862, during the middle of the U.S. Civil War, so it almost certainly saw service during the conflict. Interestingly, even though this revolver has a serial number over 187000, it has a five round .31 caliber cylinder, instead of the usual six. We do not know if this is a special order from the factory, or whether older parts may have been used for some reason. It also features a 4" barrel, and is in nice tight condition with a nice finish on the steel, Additionally, over 75% of the original "Stagecoach Robbery" cylinder engraving can still be seen, which is usually completely worn away. The COLT'S PATENT marking is fully 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 -

ADDRESS. COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S.AMERICA.

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 grips are in excellent condition, with a lovely color and very little damage or wear. They still have about 90% of the original "Piano Varnish" finish that was applied to these at the factory, with just some light wear on the bottom corners where usually seen. There is even still a bit of the original plating on the brass grip frame and trigger guard, with the rest faded to a lovely mustard patina.

These revolvers were great favorites with Union Officers, who would use them as a backup personal second revolver to take into battle. They were easily concealed and most effective, giving the officer an additional 5 shots when needed.

The revolver functions well, with solid indexing and a firm cylinder lockup. It does however get a bit stuck at times one one particular cylinder, so the ratchet probably needs a bit of adjustment. The barrel to frame connection is solid, with no wobble we can detect. The bore is in very good condition, with a bright finish showing crisp lands and grooves, and there is just a bit of scattered light oxidation and fouling, now cleaned away. We almost never see percussion revolvers with a bore this good, with very little evidence of use or neglect. The brass front sight is still present and in very good condition. All six of the cap nipple cones are clear, and in very good condition. They do show a bit of oxidation on the exterior, with only a tad of mushrooming from hammer strikes.

This is a lovely '49 Pocket dating from the Civil War, a very nice acquisition for any collection. In very good condition with a lovely patina and a great cylinder scene, ready to display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: 1862
Caliber: .31cal
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 4 inches
Overall Length: 9 inches
Action: Single Action Percussion
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver

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