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 288943 can be found on the barrel, frame, trigger guard and grip frame. The cylinder is marked with shortened number 8943, while the cylinder arbor pin has had the marking wear away. The barrel wedge is a non-matching example, which looks to be marked 2455.

The serial number indicates indicates the year of manufacture as 1866, just a year after the end of the U.S. Civil War, so it almost certainly saw service during the post war "reconstruction" era and possibly in the Indian Wars on the frontier. Interestingly, even though the revolver has a serial number over 187000, it still has the earlier five round .31 caliber cylinder, instead of the later six. The revolver is in .31 caliber with a 4" barrel, in nice tight condition with nice aged finish on the steel. It does look like the steel portions of the revolver may have been nickel plated at some point, a good amount of which is still remaining.

Unlike most we see, this example still has almost all of the original "Stagecoach Holdup" cylinder scene present, as well as the COLTS PATENT marking by the serial number. The later Colt "Single Line" address is still present across the top of the octagonal barrel -

There is still some of the COLTS PATENT on the left frame under the cylinder, though it is quite faint. The walnut grips are in very good shape, with a lovely color and the expected patina of age. They do show wear, and have lost all of the original "Piano Varnish" finish that was applied to these at the factory, now showing an oiled finish. There is also a wood graft repair on the left side of the grip.

The revolver functions well, with solid indexing and a firm cylinder lockup. It will sometimes overshoot if the hammer is pulled back very quickly. The bore shows clear lands and grooves, with a mostly bright finish showing some small areas of past oxidation and fouling. All of the cap nipples look to be original, and are clear, though they definitely show wear from age and oxidation. The barrel to frame connection is secure, though the screw is a non-original replacement.

This is a very nice '49 Pocket dating from just after the Civil War with a nice honest used look and a great cylinder scene. A wonderful acquisition for any collection.

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: 1866
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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