SCARCE ANTEBELLUM Antique “WELLS FARGO” Model 1849 COLT .31 POCKET Revolver 1856 mfr. Pre-CIVIL WAR Pocket Revolver

Description:
SCARCE ANTEBELLUM Antique “WELLS FARGO” Model 1849 COLT .31 POCKET Revolver

1856 mfr. Pre-CIVIL WAR Pocket Revolver

Here we present an antique Colt 1849 Pocket Revolver “Wells Fargo Model”, made in 1856 in Hartford, Connecticut. Though over 340,000 1849 Pocket Revolvers were produced by Colt’s factory at Hartford, only a mere 4,000 of them were produced in this configuration with a 3-inch barrel and no loading lever. Another common element observed is that they all seem to have been marked with an “8” under one or several of the serial numbers, as is this example. This is similar to the designation that Colt used for its special order or engraved revolvers, those displaying a dot or letter under the serial numbers. These would have been even handier for the pocket than their longer-barreled brethren and have been colloquially called the “Wells Fargo Model”.

One of the most aesthetically pleasing aspects of the 1849 Pocket is its cylinder scene. Cylinder scenes during this period were common, especially for Colt, not only for their visual appeal, but because it made a revolver more difficult to forge. The scene on the 1849 Pocket is that of a stagecoach robbery. The focal point is the stagecoach drawn by four horses. A woman in a dress is seen framed in the doorway of the side of the coach. The driver is standing alongside wielding his pistol against multiple assailants as the horses rear and struggle against their harnesses. Several of the bandits lay dying on the ground, one tries to control the horses, two are running away and one is in the process of falling dead after being shot. Not a bad way to show interested buyers what a pistol like this would be good for. It did a fine job as a self-defense handgun for the average citizen in 19th Century America.

Though not a primary military arm during the American Civil War, these handguns were commonly privately purchased by soldiers for use on the battlefield. Whether legend or fact, it is interesting to note something commonly read about pocket revolvers of the day, that while they could be used for self-defense against the enemy, many soldiers kept them on their person to defend themselves against an unwanted amputation in the primitive field hospitals that were notorious, even in their day.

The overall condition is good. Patina throughout. The roll engraved cylinder scene is still quite strong. The action is excellent. The bore is patinated with strong rifling. The grip is solid, showing honest use. Numbers match throughout. The bottom of the grip frame is numbered “496” and looks a bit like a company inventory number.

Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.

Barrel is 3 inches.

Caliber: .31 Percussion

Overall condition as seen in photos.

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ancestryguns

$3500

#250602
 

Antique: Yes

Price: $3,500.00
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