Colt 1849 London Pocket .31 Cal 5” Percussion Revolver 1853-1856 Antique
SOLD FOR: $2,135.00
LSB#: LSB250930JK010
Make: Colt
Model: 1849 Pocket Revolver London Production
Serial Number: 6160
Year of Manufacture: 1853-1856. Only around 11,000 Colt Model 1849 pocket revolvers were made in London before Colt closed down the factory in 1856.
Caliber: .31 Cal. Black Powder
Action Type: Percussion Cap Black Powder Revolver with a 5-Shot Cylinder
Barrel Length: 5” Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass post fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a v-notch in the hammer and is visible when cocked.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is smooth walnut. There is some handling wear. The bottom corners of both grips the finish is worn off. There is oil darkening near the frame. Overall, the grips rate in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is dark but the rifling is visible. There is erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 5 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 50% of its finish. The finish on the frame is mostly blue, the barrel has worn to more of a brown. There is pitting and wear throughout consistent with age. The markings are worn but legible, the stagecoach scene is visible. Overall, this revolver rates in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is noticeable play in the cylinder when cocked. We did not fire this firearm. As with all black powder firearms, a thorough cleaning is recommended before use.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Box, flask, bullet mold, balls, caps.
Our Assessment: The Colt 1849 Pocket revolver was one of Colt’s most successful percussion handguns, produced in massive numbers from the mid-19th century and carried widely by civilians, lawmen, and travelers who needed a reliable and concealable defensive pistol. With its 5” octagonal barrel, five-shot cylinder, and .31 caliber chambering, this one is both a practical black powder revolver and a collectible piece for enthusiasts of early Colt designs.
Manufactured by Colt’s London Factory between 1853 and 1856, this revolver remains in very good condition considering its age. It has the proper London proof markings. It features a large iron trigger guard and wasp waisted grips. The bore has rust and corrosion from many years of use but the rifling is still very defined. The grips are solid walnut with normal wear for its age and are in very good condition. Mechanically, the revolver operates as it should but the cylinder does have some play in lockup. This piece of history would go well with any Colt collection. Please look at our photos and good luck with your bid! -MF/MA
