Colt Model 1849 Pocket .31 Cal Percussion Cap & Ball Revolver, 1850 Antique

SOLD FOR: $1,480

WOA#: WY240120EC010

Make: Colt

Model: 1849 Pocket

Serial Number: 14169

Year of Manufacture: 1850 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup), Antique

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 “14169”. The top of the loading lever is marked “14169”. The cylinder is marked “COLT’S PATENT / No 14169 with a roll-engraved stagecoach scene. The right side of the trigger guard flat is marked “T”.

Barrel Length: 5”, Octagonal

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass bead at the muzzle, the rear sight is a “V” notch in the hammer, visible when cocked.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is a one-piece smooth walnut. The grip has scattered nicks, scratches, and compression marks throughout. 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 gray and the rifling is defined where not interrupted by erosion. There is light erosion and pitting scattered through the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 6.5/10 for Antique.

Most antique firearms have bores that will show erosion.  This is not only due to age but also to the use of black powder. When fired, black powder reacts corrosively.  NRA Antique Firearm Conditions Standards are quite lenient for bores.  In some cases, the NRA standards disregarded the bore’s condition for collector’s firearms.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 5% of its metal finish. The steel parts have mostly worn to white or gone to a light patina with a few spots of finish remaining on the bottom of the barrel over the loading lever. Most of the remaining finish is silver plate on the bottom of the trigger guard and on portions of the grip frame which are covered by the grip when assembled. There is some scattered surface erosion, mostly on the barrel and some light nicks and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings range from clear to worn and incomplete. The nipples show wear, but have unobstructed flash-holes. Overall, this revolver is in Very Good condition as Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up with minor play. The barrel has no play to the frame. 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: The Colt 1849 Pocket Revolver holds a distinguished place in the annals of firearms history, emblematic of the American West and the era of expansion and exploration it represents. Introduced by Samuel Colt in 1849 and manufactured until 1873, this model was Colt’s most successful percussion revolver, with over 330,000 units produced. Its widespread popularity underscored the public’s demand for a reliable, easily concealable firearm during the mid-19th century.

Designed as a smaller, more portable counterpart to the larger Colt revolvers of the time, the 1849 Pocket featured a .31 caliber round, making it ideal for personal defense and concealed carry by civilians and off-duty soldiers. Its design aesthetics were also noteworthy, often featuring ornate engravings and a distinctive octagonal barrel, making some models highly sought after by collectors today.

The 1849 Pocket’s significance extends beyond its technical specifications; it was a symbol of the era’s technological innovation and the growing importance of personal firearms in American society. It played a role in the California Gold Rush, the Civil War, and was a favored sidearm of settlers, lawmen, and outlaws alike in the expanding American frontier. The revolver’s reliability, combined with Colt’s use of interchangeable parts in manufacturing, set new standards in firearm production, contributing to Samuel Colt’s lasting legacy in the firearms industry.

Today, the Colt 1849 Pocket Revolver is revered not only for its historical significance but also for its craftsmanship and design. Collectors and historians alike admire it as a quintessential piece of American history, representing the ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit of the 19th century. Its enduring legacy is a testament to its impact on American culture and technology, cementing its place as one of the most iconic firearms of its time.  Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.

Colt Model 1849 Pocket .31 Cal Percussion Cap & Ball Revolver, 1850 Antique
Colt Model 1849 Pocket .31 Cal Percussion Cap & Ball Revolver, 1850 Antique