Only an estimated 5,000 Thuer conversions were executed by Colt around 1869-1872. This includes conversions of most of the Colt percussion revolvers. The 1849 is the rarest of all the pocket model Thuer conversions with fewer than 200 manufactured. The Thuer conversions were the first Colt metallic cartridge revolvers and are thus very desirable. The system requires only fitting a specially modified cylinder with a removable breech plate that includes a firing pin and a slight milled spot on the right side by the top of recoil shield cut-out. The tapered metallic cased centerfire Thuer cartridges are loaded from the front of the revolver just like a paper cartridge. A percussion cylinder can be re-installed on the revolver readily which would allow for use with either traditional cap and ball loads or metallic cartridges. Features a 4 inch barrel with cone front sight, 6-shot conversion cylinder, and integral notch rear sight in the hammer. The back of the cylinder has "F" and "75" markings, and the back of the breech plate is also marked "F" and "7" (what is likely a 5 after the 7 is not visible) and has "PAT.SEP./15.1868." on the left side and an "E" on the right (designating the ejection position). The cylinder has the stagecoach holdup scene. "31 CAL" on the trigger guard. Matching full or partial serial numbers visible on the frame, barrel, trigger guard, butt, cylinder, cylinder pin and wedge. The partitioned hardwood case is lined in red felt and has a silver plaque on the lid with period inscription "To/the Helvetia Rifle Club/from/A.G. Genez./New York Sept. 14th 1867" in five lines. August G. Genez was a French born gunsmith and gun dealer active out of New York at the time of the inscription. The Helvetia Rifle Club was a group of Swiss marksmen in New York. The case contains an extra non-matching numbered 6-shot percussion cylinder, "COLTS/PATENT" double sided eagle powder flask, .31 caliber two-cavity "in the white" bullet mold marked "COLT'S/PATENT" on the sprue cutter, .31 caliber Thuer centerfire cartridges, L-shaped combination tool, loading tool and key. Provenance: The George S. Lewis Jr. Collection

Excellent. The barrel and cylinder retain 95% plus original blue finish. The cylinder has an absolutely sharp scene with a light drag line. 97% plus original captivating case colors remain on the frame, hammer and loading lever. 40% original silver plated finish remains on the trigger guard/grip straps, with bright golden patina on the balance of the exposed brass surfaces. Grip is excellent with nearly all of the original glossy piano varnish finish, some light handling and storage marks, and distinct edges. Mechanically excellent. Case is very fine with some minor storage marks, and light age related wear on the interior. This high condition example of a very scarce Colt Thuer Conversion Model 1849 Pocket revolver, with its period inscribed presentation case, would be a prominent addition in any antique arms or fine Colt collection!