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Make: (SK022) Colt
Make: (SK021) Manhattan Arms Co.
Model:(SK022) 1849 Pocket
Model:(SK021) Series V .36 Caliber Revolver
Serial Number:(SK022) 325172
Serial Number:(SK021) 63283
Year of Manufacture:(SK022) 1871 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)
Year of Manufacture: (SK021)1861-1864
Caliber: (SK022).31 Caliber Ball
Caliber:(SK021).36 Caliber Ball
Action Type: (SK022) 5-Shot, Single Action Percussion Revolver
Action Type: (SK021) 5-Shot, Single Action Percussion Revolver
Markings: (SK022) 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 “325172”. The cylinder is marked “COLT’S PATENT / No 325172″ 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 “5172”.
Markings:(SK021)The top of the barrel is marked “MANHATTAN FIRE ARMS CO. NEWARK N.J.” The underside of the frame, barrel assembly, trigger guard and backstrap are marked “63283”.
Barrel Length: (SK022) 4”, Octagonal
Barrel Length: (SK021) 5”, Octagonal
Sights / Optics: (SK022)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.
Sights / Optics:(SK021)The front sight is a curved blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a “U” notch in the hammer, visible when cocked.
Stock Configuration & Condition: (SK022)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.
Stock Configuration & Condition:(SK021)The one piece smooth walnut grip. Marks are visible and a cluster of compression marks are present on the butt. The grips rate in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: (SK022)Blue, Case Color & Silver-Plated Brass
Type of Finish: (SK021)Blue, Case Color & Silver-Plated Brass
Finish Originality: (SK022) Original
Finish Originality: (SK021)Original
Bore Condition: (SK022)(SK021) The bores are dark gray with well defined rifling. There is erosion and pitting scattered through the bores. In this writer’s opinion, the bores rate 5/10.
Overall Condition: (SK022)This handgun retains about 20% 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.
Overall Condition:(SK021)This handgun retains about 20% of its metal finish. Remnants of bluing remain on the barrel and the bare metal has developed a natural patina. The case coloring has muted to a silver sheen. Hints of silver plating are visible on the brass trigger guard. Holster wear and numerous compression marks are apparent on the front two thirds of the barrel. The edges of the barrel remain fairly sharp. Patches of surface erosion are present at the muzzle and at several spots on the barrel, along with scattered pin prick erosion. Thinned bluing is present on most of the cylinder. The screw heads are mildly to moderately deformed and all are serviceable. The front trigger guard screw is a replacement and the butt screw will not bite into the threads of the trigger guard and is loose. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Very Good condition as an antique.
Mechanics: (SK022)(SK021)The actions both function 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: The guns come with a presentation case (key included) with a green lining. Also included are two bullet molds, balls, a powder flask and cap tin. The case has a brass lock fixture on the front of the box. The case has some light-moderate handling marks, including oxidation on the brass parts, consistent with an older item but it remains in Very Good condition.
Our Assessment: 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 1871, a couple of years after 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.
With the expiration of the 1836 Colt patent on revolving cylinders containing multiple chambers looming on the horizon in the late 1850s, many pistol manufacturers prepared to offer a similar product of their own as soon as they possibly could. The Manhattan Arms Company would produce a wide variety of percussion pistols, culminating in the .36 caliber Manhattan Navy models, of which about 78,000 were manufactured. Manhattan Arms never received a military contract, but their pistols did see service during the Civil War, purchased by affluent soldiers because it was reliable and lighter weight than the Colt Army model. These two weapons are a true collector’s conversation piece and are going to make for a beautiful display.