Make: Colt
Model: 1849 Pocket
Serial Number: 5643
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1854-1857
Caliber: .31
Action Type: Single Action, Percussion Revolver, Black Powder, with 5 Shot Cylinder
Barrel Length: 6"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass bead drilled and tapped into the barrel. The rear sight is a V notch on the nose of the hammer.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is one piece smooth walnut. This grip has been refinished. There are scratches and compression dents throughout. There are no chips or cracks. Overall this grip is in Very Good condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blued, Case Hardening
Finish Originality: Original, all numbered parts match. The grip marking has worn off.
Bore Condition: The bore is semi bright. The rifling is defined. There is moderate erosion and pitting, mostly near the muzzle. In this writer's opinion this bore rates 6/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 5% of its original finish. The metal has worn to a brown patina with corrosion staining. There is still some color on the frame. There is erosion and tool marking around the nipples. The arbor nose has been brazed. The hammer tension is slightly loose at rest. The screw heads are tooled but serviceable. The markings are clear. Overall this revolver is in Good condition for Antique.
Mechanics: This action functions correctly. 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 British-produced variation of Colt's famous pocket percussion revolver, chambered in .31 caliber with a five-shot cylinder. This example features the desirable 6" barrel, matching numbered metal components, and a refinished one-piece walnut grip. Although the grip's assembly number has worn away, the revolver otherwise remains a matching London-production example with its original configuration largely intact.
Colt established its London Armory in 1853 to serve the British and European markets, producing comparatively small numbers of Model 1849 Pocket Revolvers alongside the better-known Model 1851 Navy. London-made Colts are distinguished by their limited production, excellent workmanship, and unique markings, making them considerably scarcer than Hartford-produced examples. Manufactured between approximately 1854 and 1857, these revolvers represent an important period in Colt's international expansion and remain highly desirable among collectors of early percussion firearms.
This revolver retains approximately 5% of its original finish, with the balance aged to a brown patina showing corrosion staining, erosion around the nipples, and scattered tool marks. The refinished walnut grip remains in Very Good condition, while the semi-bright bore has defined rifling with moderate erosion and pitting concentrated near the muzzle, earning a 6/10 rating. The action functions correctly despite a slightly loose hammer and a brazed arbor nose, resulting in an overall Good antique condition rating. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids!
