Original Excellent U.S. Civil War Colt M1849 Pocket Percussion 6″ Barrel Revolver with Cylinder Scene made in 1860 – Matching Serial 179233 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. 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. This wonderful example has serial number 179233 on the barrel, frame, cylinder, trigger guard, and grip frame. The loading rammer and cylinder arbor pin are marked with shortened number 9233, while the barrel wedge is marked 79233. This makes this a very desirable “ALL MATCHING” example of the M1849 Pocket revolver, without any parts swapped out over the years. Not only that, it may be the best example that we have ever seen!

The serial number indicates indicates the year of manufacture as 1860, right before the beginning of the U.S. Civil War, so it almost certainly saw service during the conflict. It also features the Colt ‘Hartford’ two line address marking still fully legible across the top of the octagonal barrel:-

ADDRESS SAM’L COLT
HARTFORD CT

There is still debate over the use of the “Hartford” address during this period, however it is thought that many of the revolvers so marked were specifically made for orders doing to the South during the years leading up to the Civil War. New York was viewed as the center of the abolitionist movement, so changing the address to Hartford, the actual address of the Colt Factory, was a way to make the revolvers more acceptable in the South. There are many known Confederate used Colt revolvers that had the Hartford address.

As this revolver has a serial number under 187000, it has the earlier 5 round .31 caliber cylinder, instead of the later six. It also features a rare long 6″ barrel, and is in nice tight condition with nice lightly aged patina on the steel, showing much of the original finish. It even still has about 75% of the original plating on the brass grip frame, something we almost never see! Additionally, over 90% of the original “Stagecoach Robbery” cylinder engraving can still be seen, which is usually completely worn away. The COLT’S PATENT marking is fully intact as well. Often we see these with the markings completely removed from the cylinder, so this is a real treat!

It also has the correct COLTS PATENT on the left frame under the cylinder, though there is no “31CAL” marking on the trigger guard, which is not uncommon. The walnut grip is in excellent condition, with a lovely color and very little damage or wear. It still has about 80% of the original “Piano Varnish” finish that was applied to these at the factory, with just some light wear on the bottom corners where usually seen, as well as some additional wear on the right side.

The revolver functions just about flawlessly, with solid indexing and a firm cylinder lockup. We did not notice any of the usual finicky behavior we often see with revolvers of this age. The barrel to frame connection is solid, and the revolver breaks down correctly.

The bore is in very good condition, with a mostly bright finish showing clear lands and grooves. There is some oxidation and fouling close to the forcing cone, probably from not being cleaned, but this is really a top class bore for a percussion revolver. The brass front sight is still present and in very good condition. All 5 cap nipple cones are intact and clear, though they do show some oxidation and powder burn to the exterior.

This is a fantastic ’49 Pocket dating from just before Civil War with a possible Confederate connection, a very nice acquisition for any collection. In wonderful condition and ready to display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: 1860
Caliber: .31cal
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 6 inches
Overall Length: 11 inches
Action: Single Action Percussion
Feed System: 5 Shot Revolver

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