Pre-Civil War Colt 1849 Pocket .31 Cal 5" Percussion Revolver, MFD 1853
Our Assessment: This 1849 was made in 1853, several years before the outbreak of the Civil War. Despite being a "pocket" model, it was offered with longer barrels and this example has a 5" barrel. The serialized parts on this revolver match apart from the cylinder which has been replaced. The bore is more than decent for its age and the mechanics are strong. It certainly looks like it has a story to tell. Who knows? Maybe it was carried in a belt during the Civil War! It would make for a great display or conversation piece in a collection of early Colt revolvers.
Make: Colt
Model: 1849 Pocket
Serial Number: 56768
Year of Manufacture: 1853
Caliber: .31 Caliber
Action Type: Single Action Percussion Revolver
Barrel Length: 5"
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 light handling and storage marks. 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 cylinder is not original to the gun.
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is sharp. There is scattered erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 7 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 40% of its metal finish. There is some good blue remaining on the barrel assembly and the grip frame retains much of its silver plate, though it has darkened with age. The frame's case color has mostly muted. The cylinder is mostly worn to white. There are scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches with tool marks around the wedge. There is some scattered light oxidation. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are generally clear, the cylinder's stagecoach scene is worn. Overall, this handgun rates in about Very Good-plus 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.
CA LEGALITY: CA Classified ANTIQUE: YES
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