Civil War Colt Model 1849 Pocket .31 Cal 4" Percussion Revolver, MFD 1863
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 1863, in the middle 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 revolver has matching serialized parts and 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 or in a pocket by a Union soldier.
Make: Colt
Model: 1849 Pocket
Serial Number: 241379
Year of Manufacture: 1863
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 light 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 pitting in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 5 or 6 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 10% of its metal finish. There is some case color on the loading lever, hammer and infrequently on the frame. There is a little blue finish remaining in protected areas. There is some silver plate remaining on the butt and top of the backstrap. Most surfaces have worn to white or gone to a light patina. There is some scattered oxidation and spots of minor erosion. There are some light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with usable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about 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.
CA LEGALITY: CA Classified ANTIQUE: YES
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