Make: Colt

Model: 1849 Pocket

Serial Number: 229314

Year of Manufacture: 1863

Caliber: .31

Action Type: Single Action, Percussion Revolver, Black Powder, with 6 Shot Cylinder

Barrel Length: 4"

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. The grip has been refinished. There are scratches and sanding marks throughout. There are some light compression dents. There are no chips or cracks. Overall this grip is in Very Good condition as Refinished.

Type of Finish: Blued, Silver Plated Brass, Case Hardening

Finish Originality: Original, numbered parts match, though the grip and grip frame have been swapped. Loading lever not marked. The grip serial marking has worn off.

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright. The rifling is well defined. There is some very minor pitting in the bore. In this writer's opinion this bore rates 8/10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 10% of its original finish. The barrel has worn to a brown patina with corrosion staining. There are tool marks and light pits scattered throughout. The case hardening retains small amounts of its color in protected areas. The silver plating has mostly worn off with the exception of some protected areas. The screw heads are lightly tooled but serviceable. The markings are clear. Overall this revolver is in Very Good condition as Antique with some parts replaced.

Mechanics: The hand spring is broken. If repaired this action would work 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 Model 1849 Pocket Revolver is one of Samuel Colt's most iconic percussion handguns, chambered in .31 caliber with a six-shot cylinder and designed for convenient everyday carry. This Civil War-era example was manufactured in 1863 and features the desirable one-line New York barrel address and compact 4" barrel configuration. The revolver retains matching numbered metal components, though the grip and grip frame have been replaced, with the grip serial number no longer visible due to refinishing.

Introduced in 1850, the Colt Model 1849 Pocket became the best-selling percussion revolver of the 19th century, with more than 325,000 produced through 1873. Its compact dimensions, six-shot capacity, and dependable operation made it a favorite among civilians, travelers, merchants, military officers, and soldiers during the California Gold Rush, the Civil War, and the Reconstruction era. Revolvers bearing the one-line New York barrel address are particularly associated with the Civil War period and remain among the most desirable variants for collectors of early Colt percussion firearms.

This revolver retains approximately 10% of its original finish. The refinished walnut grip remains in Very Good condition, while the bore is mostly bright with well-defined rifling and only minor pitting. Overall, this is a Very Good antique Colt 1849 Pocket Revolver with matching metal components, desirable Civil War-era features, and solid collector appeal despite its repairable mechanical issue and replaced grip assembly. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids!