Make: Colt

Model: 1849 Pocket

Serial Number: 226781

Year of Manufacture: 1863 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)

Caliber: .31 Caliber Ball

Action Type: 5-Shot, Single Action Percussion Revolver

Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “ADDRESS SAML COLT / NEW YORK CITY”. The left side of the frame is marked “COLTS / PATENT”. The bottom of the barrel assembly, bottom of the frame, and butt of the grip frame, are marked “226781”. The cylinder is marked “COLT’S PATENT / No 226781″ with a roll-engraved stagecoach scene. The bottom of the cylinder arbor is marked “6781”. 

Barrel Length: 4”, Octagonal Respecfully, 3 ?”

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

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is one-piece smooth walnut. The grip has some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grip is in Very Good condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Blue, and brass

Finish Originality: Reblued

Bore Condition: The bore is gray with well defined rifling. There is light pitting scattered through the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 7/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about over 90% of its current metal finish. There isa mustard patina on the brass grip frame. The steel parts have been blued. There are some nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with usable slots. The markings are generally clear, the stagecoach scene is incomplete. There are matching serial markings on the wedge or loading lever. Overall, this revolver is in about Very Good condition as Antique.

Mechanics: 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: None.

Our Assessment: This rather diminutive revolver, an older, yet smaller brother to the .36 caliber Model 1851 Navy, was the best selling revolver in all of Colt’s percussion line. Indeed, no other percussion revolver made in America could match the Model 1849’s 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 to pioneer families traveling into the American West. Soldiers also 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 Model 1849 was made in 1858, a couple of years before the outbreak of the Civil War. The serialized parts on this revolver match, though the revolver is reblued. It shows surprisingly strong mechanics. A very nice acquisition for any collector.