Make: Colt

Model: 1849 Pocket

Serial Number: 212806

Year of Manufacture: 1862 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)

Caliber: .31 Caliber Ball

Action Type: 5-Shot, Single Action Percussion Revolver

Barrel Length: 5”, Octagonal

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass bead at the muzzle, the rear sight is a "V" notch in the hammer, visible when cocked.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is a one-piece smooth walnut. The backstrap inlet has "2806" hand-written. The grip has scattered light nicks and scratches. Each side has a bruise, the left has caused a thin crack at the bottom of the bruise, not extending to any edges. There are no chips. Overall, the grip is in Very Good-plus condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Blued, Case Color & Silver-Plated Brass

Finish Originality: Original to the parts. Numbered parts are matching, but the loading lever has been force-matched.

Bore Condition: The bore is gray with well defined rifling. There is erosion and pitting scattered through the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 5/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 50% of its metal finish. Strongest finish is in the grip frame's silver plate which is generally strong throughout with some dark discoloration, most notable on the butt. The barrel has areas of strong finish with other areas of wear gone to a light patina. The frame has a little color with most areas muted or gone to a light patina. The cylinder has a patch of good finish but the majority has worn to white or gone to a light patina. The flat on the top of the loading lever has been polished and a new serial marking applied. There is some scattered minor oxidation with infrequent minor erosion. There are light nicks and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are generally clear, the loading lever's serial marking is poorly struck. Overall, this revolver is in Very Good-plus condition as Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: This rather diminutive revolver, an older, yet smaller brother to the 36 caliber Model 1851 Navy, met with the largest sales unit volume in all of Colt’s percussion line. Indeed, no other percussion revolver made in America could match “The 1849” production record. Made from 1850 through 1873, the total manufactured was in excess of 325,000 in America, plus approximately 11,000 in London. Popular as a defense weapon, many thousands were sold in Western America to pioneer families. Soldiers appreciated the compact little pistols, and photographs of Civil War troops frequently show a sprinkling of the Model 1849 tucked into belts or in holsters.

This 1849 was made in 1862, after the outbreak of the Civil War. Despite being produced during wartime, this revolver was exported to England. The frame and grip frame serial markings are accompanied by "E", which may have signified "England", "Europe" or "Export". Later such guns would be marked "E" for factory Engraving and "L" for export to London. The serialized parts on this revolver match, though the loading lever has been force matched. It retains about half of its original metal finish and is in much better mechanical condition than most examples we have seen. This is perfect for display as a conversation piece or in a collection of early Colt revolvers. Please see our pictures and good luck!