Make: Colt

Model: 1849 Pocket

Serial Number: 176947

Year of Manufacture: 1860

Caliber: .31

Action Type: Single Action, Percussion Revolver, Black Powder, with 5 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 backstrap inlet has "6947" hand-written. There are scratches and compression dents throughout. There is some finish wear, mostly on the left side of the grip. There are no chips or cracks. Overall this grip is in Very Good condition as Antique.

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

Finish Originality: Original, all numbered parts match.

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

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 5% of its original finish. Some bluing remains on the cylinder and protected areas of the barrel. Most has turned to brown patina with corrosion staining. The color case is muted with corrosion staining. Most of the silver plating has worn off but some remains in protected areas. The screw heads are lightly tooled but serviceable. The markings are clear. Overall this revolver is in Very Good condition as 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 Model 1849 Pocket Revolver is one of Samuel Colt's most successful percussion handgun designs, combining compact dimensions with a dependable five-shot .31 caliber cylinder and reliable single-action operation. This 1860 example features the desirable two-line Hartford barrel address, a brass bead front sight, hammer-notch rear sight, matching serialized components, and a one-piece walnut grip bearing the handwritten assembly number "6947" beneath the backstrap. Its original configuration and matching numbers make it an attractive representative of Colt's classic pocket revolver.

Introduced in 1850, the Model 1849 Pocket became the best-selling percussion revolver of the 19th century, with more than 325,000 produced before production ceased in 1873. Its light weight, compact size, and practical five-shot capacity made it a favorite among civilians, merchants, travelers, lawmen, and military officers during the Gold Rush and throughout the Civil War. Revolvers bearing the Hartford barrel address represent an important transitional period in Colt production and remain highly sought after by collectors of early American percussion arms.

This revolver retains approximately 5% of its original finish, with the balance aged to a pleasing brown patina accented by muted case colors and traces of silver plating in protected areas. The walnut grip remains in Very Good antique condition, while the mostly bright bore retains well-defined rifling with only minor erosion and pitting, earning an 8/10 rating. The action functions correctly, making this a Very Good antique Colt 1849 Pocket Revolver with honest period wear and excellent collector appeal. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids!