Make: Colt

Model: 1849 Pocket

Serial Number: 281020

Year of Manufacture: 1866

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. The rear sight has been filed open further.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is one piece smooth walnut. There are scratches and light compression dents. There is moderate finish wear. There are no chips or cracks. Overall this grip is in Very Good condition.

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

Finish Originality: Original, loading lever latch and barrel wedge are replacement. The grip and arbor appear to be worn off. The remaining numbers match.

Bore Condition: The bore is semi bright. The rifling is defined. There are several squib rings in the bore. There is scattered erosion and pitting. In this writer's opinion this bore rates 4/10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains virtually none of its original finish. The metal has worn to a brown patina with corrosion staining. The silver plating is mostly gone except for protected areas. The case hardening is muted and worn to a brown patina with corrosion staining. There are scratches and corrosion pits throughout. There is some tool marking scattered throughout. One of the lug guide pins is sheared. The screw heads are tooled but mostly serviceable, with the exception of the lever retaining screw that has been filed flat. The bottom of the backstrap has a hand inscribed marking that is not legible. The markings are mostly legible. Overall this revolver is in about Good condition as Antique with some parts replaced.

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 one of Samuel Colt’s most recognizable percussion handguns, combining compact dimensions with a six-shot .31 caliber cylinder, and reliable single-action operation. This 1866 example features the desirable 6" barrel, one-line New York address, brass bead front sight, and hammer-notch rear sight, which has been filed wider. The loading lever latch and barrel wedge are replacements, while the remaining visible serial numbers match; the grip and arbor numbers appear worn away.

Introduced in 1850, the Model 1849 Pocket became Colt’s most commercially successful percussion revolver, with more than 325,000 produced before production ended in 1873. Its light weight, six-shot capacity, and practical size made it popular with civilians, travelers, merchants, soldiers, and officers throughout the Gold Rush, Civil War, and Reconstruction eras. Late-production examples such as this 1866 revolver reflect the continued popularity of the design even as metallic-cartridge handguns were beginning to emerge.

This revolver retains virtually none of its original finish. The walnut grip remains in Very Good condition. The bore is semi bright with defined rifling. The action functions correctly. Overall, this is a well-used Colt 1849 Pocket Revolver in about Good condition with strong antique character. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids!