Colt Model 1849 Revolver

This is an early production Colt Model 1849 Pocket Percussion Revolver with the small oval trigger guard. Standard .31 caliber, five shot cylinder, and four inch octagonal barrel. The serial number is in the 108,000 range which dates its production to the year 1855. Barrel has the two line New York Address with "COLT'S PATENT" markings on the left side of the frame and cylinder. The 1849 was Colt's best selling model during the 19th century with over 340,000 produced from 1850 to 1873. For Colt to have already produced over 100,000 of these in just the first five years of the 1850's is impressive for that era of technology. The model was quite popular with prospectors in the California Gold Rush and thousands were carried by soldiers in both the Union and Confederate armies during the American Civil War (1861-1865).

This one is in NRA antique Good Plus Condition with 60% of the washed out to silver case colors remaining on the frame. The brass trigger guard and backstrap still retain a good 30% of their original silver plating while the original walnut grips show 25% of their original varnish. The grips are solid with the serial number inked into the channel for the backstrap. It doesn't show up very well in the photos but there is a distinct notch on the upper portion of the left grip that extends ever so slightly into the edge of the backstrap. I can't decide if this is a battle scar from the Civil War such as a blow from a knife or sword, or a kill notch...but it's not there by accident whatever it is. The barrel and cylinder have turned to a well-worn grey patina toning to brown. Barrel address and Colt's patent marking on the frame are good. The cylinder scene shows quite a bit of wear with only 25% scene remaining. However, the back of the cylinder retains four out of five safety pins on the lugs between the nipples...these are usually worn off. The action is nice and tight, indexes fully and locks up correctly. The bore is also surprisingly nice with nice lands and grooves that are semi-bright. I would rate the bore as Very Good Plus which is not common on black powder era Colts. Barrel to frame fit is tight with no wobble. The serial numbers are matching on the frame, trigger guard, backstrap, cylinder, arbor pin, and grips. There is no number on the loading lever which is probably a period replacement during its time of use. The wedge appears to be a later replacement although it has been numbered to the gun to give it a more correct and original appearance. The screws are all in good serviceable shape. This would make a great addition for a new collector or someone looking for a historical investment on a budget that is priced not much more than most quality modern-day replicas.

Item# 1938

SOLD