Make: Colt

Model: 1849 Pocket

Serial Number: 49846

Year of Manufacture: 1852

Caliber: .31 Caliber

Action Type: Single Action Percussion Revolver

Barrel Length: 6"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass post fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a "V"-notch integral to the hammer, visible when cocked.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is smooth ivory. The grip has a little discoloration from age with a few scattered minor marks. There is no notable wear or damage. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition as Antique and not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blue and Silver-Plate Brass

Finish Originality: The finish is original to the time of engraving. Due to the blue finish on the frame, we suspect this was shipped in the white or "soft" for the purpose of being engraved. All numbered parts match, there is no serial marking on the loading lever.

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

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 35% of its metal finish. The left barrel indexing stud is broken off the front of the frame. There is wear in the hammer studs on the rear face of the cylinder. Strongest finish is in the frame which retains the great majority of its blue finish. The barrel has infrequent finish remaining, strongest where protected by the loading lever, with other surfaces gone to an even light patina. The grip frame has strong silver plate in the trigger guard and around the top of the backstrap with the grip straps mostly worn to brass. The cylinder has mostly gone to a light patina with a little finish in the stop notches. There are some light nicks and scratches, most notable in the cap-groove on the right of the frame. The action shows operational wear including a turn-line on the cylinder. The screw heads range from sharp to slightly disfigured with usable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Very Good condition as Antique.

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

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: Colt’s 1849 Pocket was the company’s most popular percussion revolver with hundreds of thousands sold in a variety of configurations. They were frequently purchased for self-defense and even as personal sidearms by soldiers on both sides of the Civil War. It was also one of the more popular guns to be ordered with engraving, showcasing the artistic talents of some of the most accomplished engravers of the era.

This example has engraving which appears to be period, though it was done outside the Colt factory. Based on the even blue finish of the frame, it is possible that the gun was ordered in the white, or "soft" as Colt called it, specifically so the frame could be engraved without the hassle of cutting through case hardening. It is equipped with an ivory grip and retains some of its finish original to the time of engraving. The revolver has some typical wear, including the hammer studs on the back of the cylinder and one of the barrel indexing studs on the front of the frame. Overall, it is a beautiful example of how one of the most popular revolvers of the time could also be a canvas for one of the most beautiful pieces of art. This revolver will make a nice addition to a collection of Colt or percussion revolvers. Please see our pictures and good luck!