Make: Colt
Model: 1849 Pocket
Serial Number: 10245
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 is iron staining along the grip frame. There are no chips or cracks. Overall this grip is in Good to Very Good condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blued, Silver Plated Iron, Case Hardening
Finish Originality: Original, all numbered parts match. The grip marking has worn off. The loading lever screw has been replaced.
Bore Condition: The bore is semi bright. The rifling is well defined. There is minor erosion and pitting throughout. In this writer's opinion this bore rates 7.5/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 15% of its original finish. The bluing has mostly worn to a brown patina with corrosion staining. The color case is muted with corrosion staining. The silver plating is worn and chipped in spots. There is fine scratching throughout. The screw heads are tooled but serviceable. The markings are clear. Overall this revolver is in Good to Very Good condition.
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 renowned 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. The grip's assembly number has worn away with age, and the loading lever screw has been replaced, but the revolver otherwise remains a matching London-production example in its original configuration.
Colt established its London Armory in 1853 to expand into the British and European markets, producing limited numbers of Model 1849 Pocket Revolvers alongside the better-known Model 1851 Navy. London-made Colts are distinguished by their comparatively low production, fine workmanship, and unique markings, making them significantly scarcer than Hartford-made examples. Manufactured between approximately 1854 and 1857, these revolvers represent an important chapter in Colt's international history and are highly sought after by collectors of early percussion firearms.
This revolver retains approximately 15% of its original finish, with the remaining metal aged to a pleasing brown patina accented by muted case colors and worn silver plating. The refinished walnut grip remains in Good to Very Good condition, while the semi-bright bore retains well-defined rifling with only minor erosion and pitting, earning a 7.5/10 rating. The action functions correctly, making this a Good to Very Good antique Colt London Pocket Revolver with strong originality and excellent collector appeal. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids!
