Antique 1859 Colt Model 1849 Pocket .31 Cal Percussion Revolver, 5-Inch Octagonal Barrel, 5-Shot, Stagecoach Scene, New York City Address
This 1859 Colt Model 1849 Pocket is a Hartford-manufactured, .31 caliber, five-shot percussion revolver with a 5-inch octagonal barrel and Colt's classic open-top pocket-frame design. It stands out with matching serial numbers observed on the barrel lug underside, frame, trigger guard/backstrap, and cylinder, and the cylinder retains the factory roll-engraved stagecoach holdup scene. Personalized initials "WFM" appear on the butt strap, with "WFM" also etched in the base of the grip. The barrel legend reads "ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW YORK CITY," and the bore is noted as bright and clean.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: Displays finish loss and a uniform patina from prior handling and use. Markings remain legible. See photos for close-up detail.
What’s Included
- Colt Model 1849 Pocket .31 caliber percussion revolver (5-inch barrel, 5-shot)
The Model 1849 Pocket is Colt's compact, single-action percussion revolver built for discreet carry in its era. This example features the wedge-retained 5-inch octagonal barrel with an under-barrel loading lever and a lever latch at the muzzle, a configuration closely associated with the model. The size is micro, with a five-shot steel cylinder and .31 caliber chambering.
Barrel markings read "ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW YORK CITY," indicating Hartford manufacture per the period barrel legend. Production falls in the 1850s era, with this revolver dated to 1859 and made in the United States.
The five-shot cylinder retains Colt's factory roll-engraved stagecoach holdup scene. Sighting is period-correct with a brass cone front sight and a hammer-notch rear. The revolver uses a steel frame and receiver with a one-piece walnut grip.
Component alignment is notable, with matching serial numbers observed on the barrel lug underside, frame, trigger guard/backstrap, and cylinder. Personalization adds character and provenance: "WFM" initials are engraved on the butt strap, and "WFM" is etched in the base of the grip.