Original Colt Model 1849 London Pocket Percussion 4″ Barrel Revolver with Cylinder Scene – Serial 6662 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice and interesting LONDON marked Colt Model 1849 Pocket Percussion .31 caliber revolver, the first that we have ever had! The Colt “Pocket Percussion” Model 1849 revolvers in .31cal are essentially scaled down versions of the larger Navy Model 1851 in .36cal, and were developed concurrently. The serial Number 6662 can be found on the barrel, frame, cylinder, cylinder arbor pin, trigger guard, loading rammer, and grip frame. Only the barrel wedge is unmarked, but looks to be a period replacement.

The Colt London two line address is still well marked in two lines across the top of the octagonal barrel –

ADDRESS. COL. COLT
LONDON.

There is also a clear COLTS PATENT marking correctly on the left side of the frame under the cylinder. The Colt Model 1849 London Pocket revolvers were manufactured at the London factory from circa 1853 through to 1857, and used their own serial range from 1 through to approximately 11000. As there are not any records available, determining the exact date of manufacture is impossible, however we would assume 1855-1856, a little over half way through the run. The quality of the London Pocket was thought to be better than its American counterpart. A nice percussion revolver, in .31 caliber with a short 4″ barrel, in nice tight condition with nice aged finish on the steel, with just a bit of peppering.

This example still has a most of the original cylinder “Stagecoach Holdup Scene” engraving visible, along with a clear COLT’S PATENT over the serial number marking. There is just a bit of wear near the front of the cylinder, making this one of the better cylinder scenes we have seen. The cylinder also shows British Proof marks to each chamber, either a Crown over V for “viewed” marking or the Crown over GP “gunmaker’s proof” definitive black powder markings from the London Proof House. The frame has the same markings by the barrel wedge.

The walnut grips are in very good shape, with a lovely color and the expected patina of age. They still have most of the original “Piano Varnish” finish that was applied to these at the factory. The revolver functions correctly, with good indexing and a tight cylinder lockup. We have not noticed any of the usual finicky behavior revolvers of this age can have. The bore shows strong lands and grooves, with only small areas of fouling and oxidation. The barrel – frame connection is wobble free. All of the cap nipples on the cylinder are clear, with some light powder burn.

This is a great ’49 London Pocket nice and tight and a credit to any Collection. Ready to display!

Specifications:

Years of Manufacture: 1853-1857
Caliber: .31cal
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 4 inches
Overall Length: 9 inches
Action: Single Action Percussion
Feed System: 5 Shot Revolver

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