This is an example of a Wells Fargo Colt Model 1849 Pocket revolver that was manufactured in 1856. The revolver has the distinctive "Wells Fargo" combination of three-inch octagon barrel with breech extension and small rounded trigger guard. The five-shot cylinder is roll-engraved with the Stagecoach Holdup scene and "COLTS PATENT" markings. The barrel has a brass cone front sight and is roll-stamped with the second style legend: "{ADDRESS SAML COLT/NEW YORK CITY}" in two lines. "COLTS/PATENT" is roll-stamped in two lines on the left side of the frame. The full serial number "111786" is stamped on the bottom of the barrel lug, wedge, frame, trigger guard, back strap and cylinder. The partial serial number "1786" is stamped on the bottom of the arbor pin. All of the visible serial numbers match. The barrel and cylinder have a high polish blue finish. The frame and hammer are casehardened with vivid case colors. The trigger guard and back strap are silver-plated. The one-piece walnut grips has a high polish piano finish.

Very fine as period possibly factory refinished. The revolver retains more than 90% of the blue, casehardened and silver-plated finish. Nearly all of the blue finish is present on the barrel. The barrel edges are sharp and the markings are crisp. The cylinder retains all of the deeply etched holdup scene and at least 85% of the blue finish. All of the safety pins remain intact. The front and rear face of the cylinder have light to moderate flash pitting. Nearly all of the vivid case colors are present on the frame and hammer. The arbor pin, inside of the frame and hammer well are dark and heavily pitted. The brass trigger guard and back strap retain about 80% of the silver-plated finish. Most of the handling wear is concentrated on the back strap. The grip is in fine overall condition and retains about 80% of the piano finish varnish with scattered handling marks. This is a good looking example of a very desirable variation of the Colt Model 1849 Pocket revolver.