Make: Colt

Model: 1849 Pocket

Serial Number: 231650

Year of Manufacture: 1863

Caliber: .31

Action Type: Single Action, Percussion Revolver, Black Powder, with 6 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. There are scratches and compression dents throughout. There are spots of worn finish throughout. There are no chips or cracks. Overall this grip is in Good to Very Good condition as Antique.

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

Finish Originality: Original, numbered parts match with the exception of grip and arbor that appear to be worn off.

Bore Condition: The bore is semi bright. The rifling is well defined. There is scattered erosion and pitting throughout. In this writer's opinion this bore rates 6/10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains virtually none of its original finish. The majority of the metal has worn to brown patina with corrosion staining. The color case is muted and has corrosion staining. The silver plating has worn off except in protected areas. There are scratches, nicks, and tool marks throughout. The screw heads are tooled but serviceable. The markings are mostly legible. Overall this revolver is in Good to Very Good condition as Antique.

Mechanics: The 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 Model 1849 Pocket Revolver is a classic Civil War-era percussion handgun chambered in .31 caliber with a six-shot cylinder and desirable 6" barrel despite being a "pocket model". This example features the sought-after one-line New York barrel address, matching numbered parts, a brass bead front sight, hammer-notch rear sight, and a one-piece walnut grip. As an all-matching revolver retaining its original configuration, it is a representative example of Colt's most successful pocket-sized percussion revolver.

Introduced in 1850, the Colt Model 1849 Pocket became the best-selling percussion revolver of the 19th century, with more than 325,000 produced before production ended in 1873. Its compact size, light weight, and dependable six-shot design made it a favorite among civilians, travelers, merchants, military officers, and soldiers throughout the California Gold Rush, the Civil War, and the Reconstruction era. The one-line New York barrel address is characteristic of earlier production revolvers and is particularly desirable to collectors seeking authentic Civil War-period Colt percussion arms.

This revolver retains virtually none of its original finish. The walnut grip remains in Good to Very Good condition, and the bore is semi-bright with defined rifling. Overall, this is a matching Civil War-era Colt 1849 Pocket Revolver in Good to Very Good condition with honest antique wear. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids!