Make: Colt

Model: 1849 Pocket Revolver London Export One Liner

Serial Number: 261324

Year of Manufacture: 1864 / Antique

Caliber: .31 Cal. Black Powder

Action Type: Percussion Cap Black Powder Revolver with a 5-Shot Cylinder

Barrel Length: 6" Octagonal

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass post fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a v-notch in the hammer and is visible when cocked. The notch is slightly off center to the left.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is smooth walnut. There are scattered handling marks including several nicks, scratches, and compressions. The nicks and heavier compressions have darkened. There are no cracks. Overall, the grips rate in about Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued, Case Color

Finish Originality: The case color may have been refinished. The blue is original along with the silver plating on the brass trigger guard and grip frame.

Bore Condition: The bore is dark but the rifling is visible. There is erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 5 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 70% of its finish. The finish on the frame is mostly blue, the barrel has worn to more of a brown. The serial number on the cylinder has been force matched over a previous number. It is entirely possible that the cylinder was force matched at the proofing house. There are two numbers on the barrel wedge, one of which matches the serial number. The packing lever does not match. The left frame post which seats into the barrel assembly has broken off into its hole. There scratches, nicks, scuffs, and wear throughout consistent with age. The markings are worn but legible, the stagecoach scene is visible. Overall, this revolver rates in Very Good condition as Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder lockup has minimal play. We did not fire this firearm. As with all black powder firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes with its wooden box, bag shaped copper Dixon & Sons flask, Eley London cap tin, Colt's Patent two-cavity bullet mold, takedown tool, and cleaning rod, and nickeled oiler.

Our Assessment: This Colt 1849 Pocket Revolver, manufactured in 1864, represents one of Colt’s most successful and widely carried percussion designs of the mid 19th century. Although not marked with the London export "L" or "E" near the serial number, the revolver is English proofed, suggesting it was diverted from standard production to fulfill a specific overseas order during a period of high demand.

Condition is consistent with an antique percussion revolver that has seen period use while remaining mechanically functional. The revolver retains a mix of original blue and silver plated brass, with visible wear, force matched cylinder numbering likely applied during proofing, and legible markings including the stagecoach scene. The bore remains rifled though worn, and lockup is solid with minimal play. Of particular note is the comprehensive cased accessory set, including a Dixon and Sons copper flask, Eley cap tin, Colt mold, tools, and oiler, which significantly enhances the historical presentation. Overall, this is an evocative and well accompanied Civil War era Colt pocket revolver with strong visual appeal and period character.