1849 Colt Pocket Model Value?

TRAP55

March 15, 2009 21:04

Long story short, I need to know what this one's worth.
I have to sell it for a lady that lost her job and apartment. Her grandfather bought it brand new when he was a Sheriff, used it once to kill the wrong man, and hung up his badge with the gun in 1900. There's a letter with the gun he wrote telling that too. Serial number dates it to 1864, engraved scene is clear, no pitting anywhere, clean bore. 6 shot .31 cal, 5" barrel.

0

• 

  rhmc24

  March 16, 2009 03:23

  Several of this model are offered in the on-line auctions that look much like it in condition at buy-now prices of $1500-2000. To me, that indicates it would sell readily in the $1000-1200 range. The history, "provenance" of your gun could add to its desirability to some collectors - if documented. Anecdotal, family records, history while important to the family, adds little or nothing in the market place.

  0
• 

  MBK

  March 16, 2009 06:28

  I have the same pistol, same year. Number 267890. How close to yours? These were not military. But it is interesting that during the Civil War the factory would have time to engrave the cylinders.

  0
• 

  TRAP55

  March 16, 2009 08:03

  MBK, the serial is 234257. Colt had a fire that year that destroyed most of the records on these. While not military issue, the primary purchasers were soldiers. The war did keep Colt from stamping the serial numbers on the loader, but everything else got stamped. I believe the cylinders were roll stamped "engraved".
  I posted late last night, and was comparing it to a 1862 cartridge conversion I'm cleaning up for my BIL and posted this was a 5 shot cyl., it's a 6 shot.

  0
• 

  Knifecollector

  March 16, 2009 09:55

  I've got ones thats a tad newer. Mines 283780. Having a good cylinder scene really helps the price. I'd say around $1100, give or take.

  0

Please sign in to leave a comment.