Make: Colt

Model: 1849 Pocket

Serial Number: 37694

Year of Manufacture: 1852

Caliber: .31 Caliber

Action Type: 5-Shot Single Action Percussion Revolver

Barrel Length: 5”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass post on the barrel. The rear sight is a "V"-notch integral to the nose of the hammer, visible when cocked.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is one-piece smooth walnut. The backstrap inlet has "7694" hand-written. There is some finish wear and discoloration around the edges. There are scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches with a few more notable dings. There is a tiny crack on the right behind the trigger guard. Overall, the grip is in Very Good condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Blue, Case Color & Silver-Plated Brass

Finish Originality: Original, numbers match.

Bore Condition: The bore is dark with well defined rifling. There is erosion and pitting scattered through the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 4/10

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 10% of its metal finish. Most remaining finish is silver-plate on the grip frame. The grip frame shows wear at edges and handling wear in the grip areas, the silver plate and exposed brass show discoloration. The steel parts have mostly muted or gone to a moderate patina. There is scattered surface erosion and minor oxidation. There are scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to slightly disfigured with usable slots. Most markings range from clear to worn, but legible, the barrel address is poorly struck and incomplete. Overall, this revolver is in about Good condition as Antique (see Mechanics).

Mechanics: The cylinder tends to over-rotate. 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: 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 1852, fairly early in production. Despite being a "Pocket" model, this example has a 5" barrel, a little larger than we would consider to be a "pocket" gun today. The serialized parts on this revolver match including the grip. The cylinder has a tendency to over-rotate, but it is otherwise in good shape given its age of nearly 175 years. Please see our photos and good luck!