Skip to main content
Help Center Community Shop

Colt Model 1849 Pocket Percussion Revolver

Dalton0922
I recently acquired a Colt Revolver which I believe after extensive internet searching is an 1849 Pocket Percussion Revolver. I have a couple of questions. The stamping on the top of the barrel states" ADDRESS COL SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA". I'm seeing several different answers on the internet for this. Some say it was made in NY while others are saying this stamp suggests a more "rare" revolver made in Hartford. Which is correct. Additionally, the serial number is 194596. That is stamped in six seperate locations. Can anyone give me the approximate year of manufacture from that? Lastly, does anyone have a ballpark value? The gun has a "Stagecoach" scene, is in pretty good shape, the double action works great, and it has the original holster. Thanks alot.
0

Comments

6 comments

Date Votes
  • rhmc24
    According to Flayderman's 8th edition the 1849 pocket was made from 1850 to 1873. Values given from $475 to $1750 depending on a number of variables. You mention 'double action'. If it is a double action revolver it is not a Colt 1849 Pocket, probably not a Colt at all. There were many fakers of Colts in their own time. With a lot more info, good pictures, we can probably give you more specific info. Whatever it is, the period holster helps the value some. Hope this helps.
    0
  • Xracer
    No Colt's were ever made in N.Y. They were all made in Hartford, CT or London, England (a few very early Colt pistols were made in Patterson, NJ). The "NEW-YORK" was just a business address.

    Your serial # is correct (187000 to 340000) for the barrel marking you state.

    More Model 1849s were made than any other Colt percussion pistol....and all Colt percussion pistols were single action. None were double action.

    You might be able to ascertain the date of manufacture by getting a Colt Letter (about $200) from the Colt Archives:

    http://www.colt.com/CMCI/historical.asp

    I say might because in 1864, the Colt factory and adjacent office structure burned to the ground and many of the early manufacturing records were lost.
    0
  • bobinwis
    Interesting item. The Colt Paterson was the only one that used the 'Paterson N.J.' address. The one you posted is a valid Colt address. The Walkers, 1851 Navy's, 1860 Army's, 1861 Navy's, 1862 Pocket Navy's and Police models, according to the Blue Book, used New York addresses of 2 different styles. What is the exact barrel length? Does it have a loading lever? Is it a five shot cylinder? Does the cylinder have nipples for holding the percussion caps? If it is double action, may not be a percussion piece, ie, percussion meaning black powder. I have an 1849 Baby Dragoon that has a 'New York City' address and no loading lever, made in a limited edition of 500 sets back in the early 80's but serial number is only 5 digit. It's listed in Dennis Adler's book. The stagecoach scene is intriguing. I did a quick scan through the Blue Book and didn't catch one listed. Is it a 'chase' scene. In what direction is the action going, toward barrel or hammer? Who are the participants, outlaws or Indians? Per the 24th Blue Book, reserching a Colt through the Colt archives is $300 or more if they can resarch it. Leaving for the weekend tomorrow. Would like to browse through Wilson's book on Colts and see what turns up. Will check your post again when we get back. Nice thing about this hobby, always something new to learn.

    Regards, Bob
    0
  • bobinwis
    Good morning Dalton,

    Found some more on your 1849 Colt. Went to Cabela's annual gun auction in Owatonna, MN Saturday. Of 251 items on auction, 2 were 1849 Colt pockets. Both of them had the SAME Colt name and address mentioned in your post. Neither had finish left on the metal, some pitting, no major roughing up of the metal surfaces or edges, no rust or visible corrosion. Both had brass frames, screws were quite decent with no damage to the slots, grips were relatively unmarked although may have had a newer coat of finish. I saw the stagecoach scene, although one was barely visible the other held to a light was pretty clear. Probably first type with 6 inch barrels, loading levers, and brass trigger guards. Both appeared to be in working order. Overall, both had the look and appearance of their age and probable handling by many hands.

    Serial numbers were 2149xx and 3008xx. All visible serial numbers on the different parts were matching. With only minor differences in wear and appearance, one went for $500 and the other for $800.

    Hope this helps in your search on your specimen. I was unable to find out their origin.

    Regards, Bob
    0
  • jayefsee
    Wilson's book "Colt An American Legend" has a serial number table in the back of the book. An 1849 Pocket, like you describe, would have been made in late 1861. Serial Number 184000 was the starting number for 1861 ... 197000 was starting number in 1862.
    JFC
    0
  • Dalton0922
    Thanks to all the folks who posted a reply. You've all been a great help.

    Dalton
    0

Please sign in to leave a comment.

Recent Activity