This 1849 Colt pocket model revolver with all matching serial numbers is in exceptional condition, with loads of blue, case colors and perfect grips, and is housed in a correct, original case with flask, bullet mold, cap tin. The four-inch barrel, marked with the one line New York address (“Address Col. Sam Colt New-York U.S. America”) shows full coverage of a deep, lustrous original blue with mirror finish and vivid case colors on the loading assembly underneath. The six-shot cylinder has very good color as well, with just a few light scratches and slight rubbing at the front edge and rear surface. The stagecoach-robbery cylinder scene is crisp, as is the Colt patent information and serial number. The nipples are not battered and the mechanism is tight. The one-piece walnut grips are about perfect- with great color, unmarred, and with all their varnish, and fit the metal tightly. The grip strap and trigger guard show just traces of their thin silver wash, but have a nice, even mellow patina. The case colors on the frame are not as brilliant as on the loading assembly, but are still very good. The buttstrap show a few light scratches on the bottom near the heel. The cylinder shows a few light scratches at the rear and the front edge shows some rubbing to the blue, as do some short lengths of the octagonal barrel edges. The overwhelming impression is of a minty, unfired revolver.

The revolver has serial number 276306 matching throughout, which gives it an 1865 date of manufacture. The ’49 pocket was Colt’s most popular percussion revolver and was made from 1850 through 1873 in several barrel lengths and different configurations that make it a collecting sub-category of Colt arms on its own. Popular with travelers, westerners, and Civil War officers, the .31 caliber revolver was light enough to carry with ease and persuasive enough to establish a gold claim or decide the relative merits of a poker hand.

The revolver is housed in a correct, period, compartmented case lined in sage green baize. The dividers are in place and the fabric shows wear and some shifting of color and minor stains, but is intact. The lining of the underside of the case lid shows wear to the nap and has shifted in color more to a tan. In addition to a couple of bullets and the key to the case, the set includes a flask, bullet mold and cap tin. The flask is the “eagle on hummock” pattern usually associated with the Colt pocket revolver and found offered for sale in 1864 at the same time as the later “eagle and shield” version. The flask is in excellent condition, with a mellow, untouched color to the copper and brass. There are no dents, dings or open seams. The spout, spring and thumbpiece are in place and functional. The raised eagle on either side has very good detail with a little rubbing on the high points, as is usual, and a few stains on the top flat. The mold is the early, all brass “Colt’s Patent” marked mold with cavities for a round ball and for a conical ball. The brass has a medium tone with a few dark spots, but no dings or battering. An Eley Brothers cap tin is also included. These were standard with cased pocket revolvers. The paper label is long gone, as most are, but the tin has most of it lacquer with just minor scratches and a very legible, “ELEY / LONDON” in raised lettering on its top.

This is a nice looking cased set that displays well and would fit a Civil War, Colt or western collection.  [sr]

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