Guns International #: 101819047

Category - Colt Revolvers - Antique Percussion - Antique Revolvers - Percussion

Category
Colt Revolvers - Antique Percussion
Antique Revolvers - Percussion

Colt Model 1849 Revolver

Description:
Sale Pending. Nice early example of a Colt Model 1849 Pocket PercussionRevolver with 100% matching numbers, super grips, great cylinder scene, and lots of original silver plating on the gripstraps.  Serial Number is in the 96,000 range which dates its production to 1854 so it could have been used by a soldier/s on either side during the Civil War.  Standard 5" Octagon Barrel, 5 shot Cylinder, in .31 Caliber.   Being 1850's production, it has the small brass trigger guard with the 2 line New York Barrel Address, and the loading lever screw with the extra thick head that sticks out at the base of the fulcrum.  Later ones are counter-sunk and flush to the profile of the lever. Overall Condition Grades to NRA Antique Very Good Plus with the metal having worn to a pleasing light grey showing a light patina along with nice sharp edges and strong markings.  Frame, hammer, and loading lever still show patches of original case colors that have silvered out from use and sunlight. The brass gripstraps still retain 95% of their original silver plating. Back in the 1850's, Sam Colt was out to impress the world with his revolvers.  He was very generous about the thickness of the silver they put on their grip handles.  Here we have a gun that was used to the point that no original blue is remaining and yet almost all the silver is still intact.  In contrast, by the 1860's following the Civil War and the destruction of their factory in 1864, Colt was struggling to survive.  Colt's silver plating became so thin that near mint and unfired examples of percussion Colts rarely turn up with more than a hint of silver remaining.  So this 1854 vintage '49 pocket was at the zenith of this type of finish.  Another thing Sam Colt was known for was his fantastic grips which were very well finished with a high grade varnish.  Over the years, I've heard and read from different sources that he used a special varnish called "turpene", a violin-grade varnish, and some type of marine grade varnish.  Whatever he used, it seems to last forever.  In spite it being nearly 170 years old and having lived through all or parts of three different centuries,  the original varnish on this pair of grips is still at 98%.  The wood is in excellent condition and is either an English Walnut, Chesnut, or some type of Fruitwood...with a really nice light to medium orange-brown hue.  The roll-engraved cylinder scene is 95% depicting a stagecoach robber scene.  The 5 Rear lugs between the chambers on the Cylinder still have 2 good safety pins, 1 somewhat mashed, and 2 that are as flat as pancakes but not yet worn off.  Usually, these are long gone from use .  The mechanics are in good working order and the bore is impressive...Fine overall with very deep lands and grooves.  Very good screws and original brass cone front sight is still intact. If you're looking for a nice honest example of an early 1849, this is a nice gun for the money and investment-wise, it's hard to go wrong with a Colt!  Antique, Pre-1898, No FFL required under Federal Law.  Please check your local and state laws before contacting us.  Sorry, no international sales.  $20.00 shipping. Sale Pending.

SOLD

Antique: Yes
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: 1849
Manufacture Date: Made in 1854