This is a nice sharp example of an 1849 Colt Pocket Revolver with a scarce Hartford Barrel Address.  .31 Caliber w/5 shot cylinder and 4" octagonal barrel. Serial number is in the 178,000 range with 100% all matching numbers.  Made in 1860. Its believed Sam Colt changed his firm's address from New York, NY to Hartford just prior to the outbreak of the Civil War in order to appease many of his Southern clients who viewed the former as a hotbed for Abolitionists and their activities.  Whether its true or not, two facts remain: 1. Many Hartford addressed Colt 1851 Navies, Full Fluted 1860 Armies, and 1849 Pocket Revolvers did ship South in the months prior to the outbreak of War in April 1861.  And:  2. Once the War began, Sam'l Colt changed his Company address again, this from Hartford back to his original NY, NY address.  Once the war began, these 1849's found their way into the belongings of many a Confederate or Union soldier.  Today, its not unusual to see old ambrotype photographs with Civil War soldiers proudly posing with these little Colts in full view.  Note: See photo of Confederate soldiers from Georgia.  This particular revolver was found in Florida but we have no history or story on it. 

Overall Condition grades to NRA Antique Fine with 35% thinning original barrel blue.  Frame and loading lever have 50% original case colors that are strong in protected areas and darkening with patina in more open places.  Cylinder has 95% strong scene with the metal flaked from heat and turned to a smooth light grey/brown patina.  Screw are excellent and most retain considerable amounts of original fire blue.  Triggerguard has 30% original silver plating while the backstrap shows 20% mostly behind the hammer and along the bottomstrap.  Original walnut grips are in excellent condition with 97% original varnish intact showing only a few light handling marks. Perfect wood to metal fit with no chips, cracks, or repairs.  Very Good mechanics.  Barrel to frame is tight like new.  Bore is in Fine condition, still bright with perfect lands and grooves and just a few minor pits...exceptional for a black powder revolver and one of the best bores we've seen on an 1849 in some time.

Item# 0855

SOLD