^Lot 3204 Very Fine, Late Production, Colt Model 1849 Pocket Revolver

This is a very fine example of a Colt Model 1849 Pocket revolver that was manufactured in the final year of production; 1873. The revolver has the Colt high polish commercial blue finish on the barrel and cylinder. The loading lever, frame and hammer have a casehardened finish. The brass trigger guard and back strap have a silver plated finish. The one-piece walnut grip is varnished. The hammer has a bordered, knurled spur, the five-shot cylinder has five safety pins and the barrel has a uniquely crowned muzzle (writer cannot recall ever seeing this feature) and beveled loading cut-out. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the final legend "ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA" in one line. "COLTS/PATENT" is roll-stamped on the left side of the frame and "31CAL" is stamped on the left shoulder of the trigger guard. The five-shot cylinder is roll-engraved with the Stagecoach Holdup scene and "COLTS PATENT". The full serial number, "332602" is stamped on the bottom of the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard and back strap. The partial serial number "602" is stamped on the cylinder. All of the visible serial numbers match.
BBL: 4 inch octagon
Stock:
Gauge: 31 percussion
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 332602
Condition: Very fine. The revolver retains 75% of the original blue and casehardened finish. The sides of the barrel lug have small dents and scratches from removal of the wedge. The cylinder has 75% of the blue finish intact and retains nearly all of the Holdup scene. The percussion nipples have no flash pitting and all of the cylinder safety pins are remarkably intact and free from battering. The frame hammer and loading lever retain 60% of the casehardened finish. Only traces of the silver plated finish remain on protected areas of the trigger guard and back strap. The walnut grip is in excellent condition with nearly 95% of the original varnish; wear is limited to very minor numerous dings on right butt. All of the markings are crisp. The action is excellent. This is a very fine example of a Colt Model 1849 Pocket revolver from the last year of production.