Make: Colt

Model: 1849 Pocket

Serial Number: 113502

Year of Manufacture: 1856 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)

Caliber: .31 Caliber Ball

Action Type: 5-Shot, Single Action Percussion Revolver

Barrel Length: 4”, Octagonal

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass post fixed to the barrel at the muzzle, the rear sight is a “V” notch in the hammer, visible when cocked.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is one-piece smooth ivory. The grip has discolored with age and handling showing some scattered light nicks and scuffs. There are blue grain-lines, but no cracks from damage. There are no chips. Overall, the grip is in Fine-plus condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Blue, Case Color & Silver Plate

Finish Originality: Original to the parts. The numbered parts are matching, but the cylinder has been force-matched to the gun.

Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is well defined. There is erosion and pitting scattered through the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 5 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 35% of its metal finish. The barrel has some blue remaining around and under the loading lever. Strongest finish is in the grip frame's silver plate, which has some edge-thinning, wear at the bottom of the backstrap, and a few flakes. Other surfaces have mostly muted, worn to white or gone to a light patina. The front face of the cylinder appears to have been polished bright. There is some scattered minor surface erosion. The wedge is tool marked on both sides. The action shows operational wear including a turn-line on the cylinder. The screw heads range from sharp to disfigured with usable slots. The markings are clear with good detail in the engraving. Overall, this revolver is in Good-plus condition as Antique (see Mechanics).

Mechanics: The hand spring is missing or broken, the hand will only progress the cylinder when pointed down. The cylinder spins freely in both directions when at half-cock. Otherwise, the action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes in a wood presentation case which has compartments for the pistol, included brass two-cavity ball and bullet mould, powder flask, balls, and a tin of percussion caps. A key is included, but we could not get it to operate the lock. The stop-pin for the sprue on the mould is missing.

Our Assessment: Colt’s 1849 Pocket was the company’s most popular percussion revolver with hundreds of thousands sold in a variety of configurations. They were frequently purchased for self-defense and even as personal sidearms by soldiers on both sides of the Civil War (Confederates, obviously, would have purchased them before the war broke out). It was also one of the more popular guns to be ordered with factory engraving, showcasing the artistic talents of some of the most accomplished engravers of the era.

This example is one such revolver, factory engraved with silver plate finish on the grip frame and factory ivory grips. Produced in 1856, this revolver is from the Gustav Young period with his distinctive style of engraving. Animal heads are incorporated on the sides of the hammer nose and the left of the barrel. Unfortunately, Colt’s records for this pistol have been lost to time, so it is not certain whether this revolver was engraved by Young himself or by one of the other Colt engravers who frequently reproduced his style during this period, though we believe this one to be his work. The hand-engraved Old English script of the barrel address and hand-engraved “COLTS PATENT” marking on the frame are characteristic of factory engraved guns. The apostrophe marked next to the serial numbers of the barrel, frame and trigger guard are characteristic of engraved guns equipped with factory ivory grips (“Colt’s 1849 Pocket”, Jordan & Watt, p200-201). The included presentation case has some characteristics of original cases, as well as having appropriate accouterments.

This is a beautiful example of how one of the most popular revolvers of the time could also be a canvas for one of the most beautiful pieces of art. With its factory engraving, ivory grips and presentation case, it will make a fine addition to even an advanced Colt collection. Please see our pictures and good luck!