Colt Model 1849 Pocket .31 Cal Percussion Cap & Ball Revolver, 1858 Antique
SOLD FOR: $760
WOA#: WY240321BS079
Make: Colt
Model: 1849 Pocket
Serial Number: 149038
Year of Manufacture: 1858 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .31 Caliber Ball
Action Type: 5-Shot, Single Action Percussion Revolver
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “ADDRESS SAML COLT / NEW YORK CITY”. The left side of the frame is marked “COLTS / PATENT”. The bottom of the barrel assembly, bottom of the frame, butt of the grip frame, and bottom of the trigger guard are each marked “149038”. The cylinder is marked “COLT’S PATENT / No 149038″ with a roll-engraved stagecoach scene. The left of the trigger guard is marked “V” on the flat. The bottom of the cylinder arbor is marked “9038”. The butt has been hand engraved with “WJD”.
Barrel Length: 4”, Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass bead at the muzzle. The rear sight is a “V”-notch in the nose of the hammer, visible when cocked.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is one-piece smooth walnut. The grip has some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. The finish shows wear and discoloration. There are a couple of more notable dings on the bottom-right. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grip is in Very Good condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue, Case Color & Silver-Plated Brass
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is dark gray with well defined rifling. There is erosion and pitting scattered through the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 4 or 5 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 5% of its metal finish. There is a little scattered silver plate left on the brass grip frame. The steel parts have gone to a fairly uniform patina. There is scattered minor surface erosion. There are some nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with usable slots. The markings are generally clear, the stagecoach scene is incomplete. There are no serial markings on the wedge or loading lever. Overall, this revolver is in about Very Good condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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: None.
Our Assessment: This rather diminutive revolver, an older, yet smaller brother to the .36 caliber Model 1851 Navy, was the best selling revolver in all of Colt’s percussion line. Indeed, no other percussion revolver made in America could match the Model 1849’s 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 to pioneer families traveling into the American West. Soldiers also 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 Model 1849 was made in 1858, a couple of years before the outbreak of the Civil War. The serialized parts on this revolver match, though the wedge and loading lever are not marked. It shows its age, but retains surprisingly strong mechanics. It will make a neat display or conversation piece in a collection of early Colt revolvers. Please see our pictures and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
