Make: Colt
Model: 1849 Pocket
Serial Number: 3268
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1854-1857
Caliber: .31
Action Type: Single Action, Percussion Revolver, Black Powder, with 5 Shot Cylinder
Barrel Length: 4"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass bead drilled and tapped into the barrel. The nose of the hammer has been ground off and the rear sight is no longer visible.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is one piece smooth walnut. The backstrap inlet has "3268" hand-written, but the marking is faint. There are scratches and compression dents throughout. The bottom of the grips show heavier finish wear. There are no chips or cracks. Overall this grip is in Good to Very Good condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Blued, Case Hardening
Finish Originality: Original, all numbered parts match.
Bore Condition: The bore is semi bright. The rifling is defined. There is moderate erosion and pitting. In this writer's opinion this bore rates 6/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains virtually none of its original finish. The metal has worn to a brown patina with corrosion staining. There is minor tool marking near the wedge. There are scratches scattered throughout. There is excessive cylinder end shake. The screw heads are tooled but serviceable. The markings are clear. Overall this revolver is in Fair condition.
Mechanics: This action functions correctly, though the hand is close to worn out. We did not fire this revolver. As with any used guns a full cleaning may be necessary to meet your standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Colt London Model 1849 Pocket Revolver is a scarce variation of Colt's famous pocket percussion revolver, manufactured at the company's London Armory and chambered in .31 caliber with a five-shot cylinder. This example features a 4" barrel, matching numbered components, and a one-piece walnut grip bearing the faint handwritten assembly number "3268" beneath the backstrap. The nose of the hammer has been ground, eliminating the original hammer-notch rear sight.
Colt established its London factory in 1853 to supply the British and European markets, producing a limited number of Model 1849 Pocket Revolvers alongside the larger Navy Models. London-produced Colts are distinguished by their unique markings, high-quality finish, and comparatively low production totals, making them significantly scarcer than their Hartford-made counterparts. Manufactured between approximately 1854 and 1857, these revolvers represent an important chapter in Colt's international expansion and are highly regarded by collectors of early Colt percussion firearms.
This revolver retains virtually none of its original finish, with the metal worn to a brown patina showing corrosion staining and scattered handling wear. The walnut grip remains in Good to Very Good antique condition, while the semi-bright bore has defined rifling with moderate erosion and pitting, earning a 6/10 rating. The action functions, though the hand is nearly worn out, and excessive cylinder end shake along with the removed hammer sight results in a Fair overall condition rating. Despite these issues, this remains a matching and desirable Colt London Pocket Revolver with strong collector appeal due to its limited production. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids!
