Civil War Colt Model 1849 Pocket .31 Cal 6" Percussion Revolver, MFD 1862
Our Assessment: This rather diminutive revolver, an older, yet 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 1862, after the outbreak of the Civil War.Despite being a "pocket" model, this example has a 6" barrel and a six-round cylinder which gives it the same capacity as a larger 1851 or 1860 Model, though notably less power. The revolver has had a few parts replaced, but is functioning properly. This perfect for display as a conversation piece or in a collection of early Colt revolvers. It is also interesting to collectors as it was produced during the Civil War and may have been carried on a belt by a Union soldier.
Make: Colt
Model: 1849 Pocket
Serial Number: 220468
Year of Manufacture: 1862
Caliber: .31 Caliber
Action Type: Single Action Percussion Revolver
Barrel Length: 6"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass post at the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a "V"-notch integral to the hammer, visible when cocked.
Grip Configuration & Condition: The grip is one-piece smooth walnut. The grip has scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are no chips or cracks. The grips rate in about Very Good-Fine overall condition as ANTIQUE.
Type of Finish: Blue, Case Color & Silver Plated Brass
Finish Originality: Original to the parts. The wedge and loading lever are not original to the gun.
Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is well defined. There is scattered erosion and pitting in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 5 or 6 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 5% of its metal finish. Remaining finish is mostly in trace silver plate on the trigger guard. The steel surfaces have mostly gone to a uniform patina. There is wear and erosion around the nipples. There are scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are tool marks around the wedge. There are some scattered spots of erosion. There is more notable erosion in the hammer slot immediately behind the nipple. The screw heads range from sharp to disfigured with usable slots. The markings range from clear to worn, but legible. Overall, this handgun rates in about Good-Very Good condition as ANTIQUE.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a more thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
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