This is a fine example of a Colt Pocket Conversion revolver that was manufactured c. 1873-1880. The revolver is chambered for the Colt 38 CF cartridge and features a distinctive 3 1/2-inch barrel with no provision for an ejector rod. The barrel has a brass cone front sight and is roll-stamped: "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. Co./HARTFORD CT. U.S.A." in two lines. The cylinder is roll-stamped with the Stagecoach Holdup scene and "COLTS PATENT". The left side of the frame is roll-stamped: "-PAT. JULY 25. 1871-/-PAT. JULY, 2, 1872,-" in two lines. "31 CAL" is stamped on the left shoulder of the trigger guard; the original caliber marking has been over-stamped "36". The full serial number, "317106", is stamped on the bottom of the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard and back strap. The cylinder is stamped with the partial serial number "7106". All of the visible serial numbers match. The frame does not have a loading gate. The hammer has the center-fire firing pin. The barrel and cylinder are blued. The frame and hammer are color casehardened, and the brass trigger guard and back strap are silver-plated. The one-piece walnut grip has a high polish piano finish.

Fine. 75% of the blue finish is present on the barrel with some edge wear and thinning. The barrel markings are crisp. The cylinder retains all of the roll-engraved scene and about 30% of the blue finish. Most of the finish is concentrated on the rebated portion of the cylinder. The hammer and right side of the frame retain 50% of the casehardened finish. The left side of the frame shows more wear and has a silver-gray patina. The trigger guard and back strap retain 80% of the silver-plated finish. The grip is in very fine condition and has most of the original piano finish intact with wear present on both sides of the butt. The action is crisp but the hammer will not hold at half-cock. This is a very good example of a Colt Model 1849 Pocket Conversion revolver.