Colt Blackpowder Arms Co. 1849 Pocket Model Signature Series - 150th Anniversary Gold Rush Commemorative, .31 Cal, 4" Barrel, 6-Shot Cap-and-Ball Revolver
This Colt Blackpowder Arms Co. Signature Series 1849 Pocket Model is the factory-authorized 150th Anniversary Gold Rush Commemorative, produced in the 1990s. It features a gold-toned, vignette-engraved cylinder, color case-hardened frame, and commemorative markings throughout. Edition sequence number 206 is stamped on the buttstrap, underscoring its limited-edition status.
Built as a faithful reproduction of the classic .31 caliber cap-and-ball pocket revolver, this example combines traditional construction with commemorative details. The 4-inch octagonal, wedge-retained barrel and 6-shot cylinder follow the original pattern, while gold-toned accents and special rollmarks set this edition apart.
Condition
Overall Condition: Very good condition, showing only light, superficial signs of prior handling or use.
Bore Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Bore Rifling: Excellent Rifling - Sharp lands and grooves.
Mechanics: Action is tight.
Specific Condition Notes: There are minor scratches and blemishes present on the exterior surfaces.
What’s Included
- Colt factory cardboard box
- Colt Blackpowder Manufacturing Co., Inc. instruction manual
This commemorative model highlights period-correct construction with a steel, wedge-retained 4-inch octagonal barrel and a steel, color case-hardened frame. It is a single-action percussion (cap-and-ball) design in .31 caliber with a 6-shot cylinder, reflecting the hallmark features of the original 1849 Pocket Model.
Commemorative elements include a gold-toned cylinder engraved with themed vignettes, gold-toned trigger guard and backstrap, and the Signature Series script "Sam Colt" on the backstrap. The right-side one-piece walnut grip carries a dedicated miner medallion specific to this Gold Rush edition.
Markings are comprehensive and model-specific: the barrel is rollmarked "150th ANNIVERSARY GOLD RUSH," the top barrel legend reads "ADDRESS SAM'L COLT NEW-YORK CITY," and the underside of the barrel lug is stamped "31 CAL." Edition sequence number 206 is present on the buttstrap.
Sighting is traditional, with a pin-style brass front sight and a rear notch in the hammer. The revolver’s blued and color case-hardened finishes are complemented by gold-toned accents, emphasizing the commemorative presentation while preserving the authentic 1849 Pocket pattern.