Manufactured in 1850, this first year production Model 1849 revolver is in the correct 15,000 serial number block for the "Wells Fargo" Model 1849 revolvers. This revolver has the extremely rare 4 inch octagon barrel with no provisions for a loading lever and has a small round trigger guard. There are only 4 known "Wells Fargo" revolvers with a 4 inch barrel. This particular revolver is one of only two 4 inch barreled variation catalogued in Shumaker's book "Colt's Variations of the Old Model Pocket Pistol 1848 to 1872" and is pictured on page 39 and discussed on page 41. This revolver is pictured and mentioned in a article in "The Gun Report", November 1995 and is listed by serial number and briefly discussed in an article on page 28 of "The Texas Gun Collector", Spring 1986. The revolver is accompanied with copies of the articles (not the Shumaker reference) as well as a number of letters of correspondence. The top of the 4 inch barrel is marked "ADDRESS SAML COLT/NEW YORK CITY" flanked by dashes and the left side of the frame is marked "COLTS/PATENT." The cylinder is roll-engraved with the stagecoach holdup scene and has "COLTS PATENT/No.15619" in two panels. The discrepancy in the cylinder serial number is discussed in the articles and is believed that the cylinder was switched with the other revolver catalogued by Shumaker in his book. The complete matching serial number is marked on the bottom of the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard and backstrap with the partial number "638" on the arbor pin. The wedge is numbered "6675". Fitted with one-piece varnished walnut grip. The Wells Fargo models are a desirable and highly sought after variation of the Colt Model 1849 pocket series and this rare 4 inch variation is the most desirable.

Very good plus. The metal surfaces have a mix of smooth brown and mottled gray patina. There is a small amount of minor pitting along the lower edge of the left side of the frame. The trigger guard and backstrap retain 90% original silver plating with some thinning and high point wear, and some darkening with age. The grip is fine with the exception of a very small chip on each toe, some wear on the lower edge and a few minor dings and handling marks. The cylinder scene is 100% visible, the markings are clear and the action is excellent. A well documented and discussed Colt Model 1849 Wells Fargo revolver with extremely rare 4" barrel.