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1837 Colt 31 cal pistol

bobinski
I came into this pistol, but don't really know what I have. Ser No 27l837 stamped everywhere. Is it as cool as I think it is?
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10 comments

Date Votes
  • Spider7115
    That's a pretty high serial number. What makes you think it was made in 1837?

    We really need to see pics; the more the better. This link will show you how: http://forums.gunbroker.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=259294
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  • bobinski
    It says 1837 patent on it, and the last four digits of the serial number are 1837. Maybe just a coincidence.... But I was hoping that made it real low.

    I will post some pictures asap, as soon as I can get one of my kids to do it.

    Thanks for the response.
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  • Spider7115
    quote:Originally posted by bobinski
    It says 1837 patent on it, and the last four digits of the serial number are 1837. Maybe just a coincidence.... But I was hoping that made it real low.

    I will post some pictures asap, as soon as I can get one of my kids to do it.

    Thanks for the response.


    OK, that number is probably on the cylinder which is the last 4 digits of the serial number, not a patent date. Colt didn't use patent dates until 1871 and those were stamped on the left side of the frame.

    You have given us absolutely no description other than "pistol" so it's anyone's guess as to what you have. It sounds like a cap-and-ball revolver due to the cylinder markings but there are many versions of Colt revolvers, both original and replica. Once we see some clear pictures, I'm sure we can help you.
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  • JohnnyBGood
    Being .31 caliber and a serial number in the 271xxx range would most likely make it a Model 1849 Pocket Colt. More information is needed to help you any further, or you could try an internet search of Model 1849 Colt and probably get a lot of info.

    Johnny
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  • Spider7115
    quote:Originally posted by JohnnyBGood
    Being .31 caliber and a serial number in the 271xxx range would most likely make it a Model 1849 Pocket Colt. More information is needed to help you any further, or you could try an internet search of Model 1849 Colt and probably get a lot of info.

    Johnny


    I intentionally omitted that possibility in order to encourage this poster - as well as others - to give complete, detailed descriptions and pictures whenever possible. Yes, it could be an 1849 pocket model but which version? Large or small trigger guard? Iron or brass? Silver or blue backstrap? 3, 4, 5 or 6 inch barrel? 5 or 6 shot? With or without loading lever? What are the barrel and frame markings? It could even be a 2nd Generation reproduction.

    Hopefully, the poster will provide this information with pictures so we can make an accurate identification.
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  • bobinski
    Thanks for your help. Now I see that the cylinder says COLTS PATENT and underneath No 1837, being the last 4 digits of the serial number, not the year of the patent. Ok, my bad. It indeed does look like a 1849 colt pocket pistol. Pictures are there or coming.
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  • bobinski
    Please see the following pictures of the pistol:

    http://img38.imageshack.us/g/dscf0008bxu.jpg/
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  • Spider7115
    quote:Originally posted by bobinski
    Please see the following pictures of the pistol:

    http://img38.imageshack.us/g/dscf0008bxu.jpg/


    OK, it is in fact a Colt Model 1849 pocket revolver. It was manufactured in 1865.
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  • bobinski
    Thank you. Sorry to have been such a bother.
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  • Spider7115
    quote:Originally posted by bobinski
    Thank you. Sorry to have been such a bother.


    You were not a bother at all. That's what we're here for! It's always nice to see a "new" collectible firearm show up and be able to assist in identification. Y'all come back now - hear? [:)]
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