Civil War Inscribed Colt 1849 Pocket .31 Cal 5" Percussion Revolver, MFD 1861
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 1861, just after the outbreak of the Civil War.Despite being a "pocket" model, this example has a six-round cylinder which gives it the same capacity as a larger 1851 or 1860 Model, though notably less power. The serialized parts on this revolver match and it is in much better mechanical condition than some examples we have seen. This perfect for display as a conversation piece or in a collection of early Colt revolvers.
It is also interesting to collectors due to the inscription on the backstrap, "possibly from a soldier who carried it during the Civil War"DW BIDLAKE". This is consistent with a Daniel Webster "D.W." Bidlake who served with Company A of the 42nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War. This regiment was commanded by Colonel James Garfield who would go on to become the 20th President of the United States.
Make:Colt
Model:1849 Pocket
Serial Number:193904
Year of Manufacture:1861
Caliber:.31 Caliber
Action Type:Single Action Percussion Revolver
Barrel Length:4"
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
Bore Condition:The bore is gray and the rifling is well defined. There is scattered erosion and minor pitting in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 6 out of 10.
Overall Condition:This handgun retains about 45% of its metal finish. There is some good blue remaining on the barrel. The frame has some case color, but most has muted. There is also some case color remaining on the loading lever. There is handling wear in the grip frame with some silver plate remaining in less-handled areas. The backstrap has been inscribed "D.W. BIdLAKe". There are scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is some light surface oxidation and infrequent minor erosion. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are generally clear, there is some wear in the cylinder's stagecoach scene. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine 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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