Colt 1849 Pocket, Pre-Civil War, Silver Plated 5″ Percussion Revolver, Period Case & Tools – 1855
SOLD FOR: $2,525.00
LSB#: 171021DH23
Make: Colt
Model: 1849 Pocket
Serial Number: 103672
Year of Manufacture: 1855
Caliber: .31 Caliber Ball
Action Type: 5-Shot, Single Action Percussion Revolver
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “ADDRESS COL. SAML (small “L”) COLT / NEW YORK CITY”. The underside of the barrel, frame, trigger guard plate, toe of the grip frame on the butt, cylinder and barrel wedge are marked with matching serial number “103672”. The cylinder pin number also matches. The left side of the frame is marked “COLT’S PATENT”, the left side of the barrel is marked “6”, the left of the trigger guard is marked “X”, the left of the trigger guard bow is marked “8”. The cylinder is marked “COLT’S PATENT / No.” (then the serial number), with a still crisply discernible Stage Coach Robbery scene roll marked, please see our pictures, this revolver has survived QUITE well.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a small conical brass bead, screwed into the barrel. The rear sight is a “V” notch in the hammer.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are a one-piece walnut stock with a varnish finish. There are areas of rub wear through the varnish, exposing nice natural texturing to the exposed wood, suggesting this is the original finish of this stock. Several deep marks occur through the finish, especially on the right panel. There are no visible cracks and the wood to metal fit is still very close, please see our pictures. The stock has scuff and compression marks but no major damages. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue, Case Colored & Silver Plated Brass
Finish Originality: All Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright, the rifling is sharp and deep. The bore shows a spot of dark surface erosion/pitting in the center. This being said, this is one of the better bores for this model that has come through the shop.
Overall Condition: This old revolver retains about 20% of its original finish. The barrel has thinned and browned, with edge wear and some erosion, especially on the right side of the front sight. The wedge and wedge hole are a bit battered. The case colors all now all faded, but the metal on the frame is still pretty sharp with only very scattered erosion. Still better than half of the plating remains on the grip straps. The screw heads range from light to moderately tooled, but are still serviceable. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a strong mainspring, the cylinder produces light full lockup in all 5 chambers. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Now the best part! The revolver is in a period hardwood case, with very old and also of-the-period velvet. The lid is a bit warped, but all 8 corners are sound. The key is missing. The box is in Fair condition. Also included is enough balls and mini-balls for a partial compartment, a copper powder measure, bullet mold and tin cap. All of these are of the period as well and are in Good condition. This makes for a very nice period cased set.
Our Assessment: From R.L. Wilson’s ‘The Book of Colt Firearms’, page 107 “This rather diminutive revolver, a smaller brother to the 36 caliber Model 1851 Navy, met with the largest sales unit volume in all of Colt’s percussion line. Indeed, no other percussion revolver made in America could match “The 1849” production record. Made from 1850 through 1873, the total manufactured was in excess of 325,000 in America, plus approximately 11,000 in London…Popular as a defense weapon, many thousands were sold in Western America to pioneer families. Soldiers appreciated the compact little pistols, and photographs of Civil War troops frequently show a sprinkling of the Model 1849 tucked into belts or in holsters.”
This 1849 was made in 1855, sporting one of the neatest cases we have seen. Coming from a period in which our nation’s flag still only had 31 stars, we can only imagine what events must have unfolded during its service life. For its age, it has strong finish remaining. The action could probably edge out most modern single action revolvers and Colt’s craftsmanship is definitely apparent. All serialized parts match. This was most likely someone’s one and only sidearm, sitting in a dresser or closet for generations. Please see our pictures and good luck.
