The Model 1849 Pocket was the most popular of all Colt's percussion revolvers and was even more widely used than the famous Single Action Army in the 19th century. This revolver was manufactured in 1868 features the late percussion vine scroll engraving found on the later Colt percussion revolvers. The engraving was probably executed by Gustave Young or Georg Sterzing. The vine scroll engraving has classic Germanic scrollwork with floral accents but lacks the punch-dot background that was typical of earlier factory engraving. It also has the classic wolf motif on the hammer. The factory "E" marking for engraving is marked by the main serial numbers on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The serial numbers match, including the grip. The arbor pin is not numbered and is a replacement. It also has a brass cone front sight, the one-line New York barrel address, standard stagecoach scene on the cylinder, "COLTS/PATENT" engraved on the left side of the frame instead of stamped, and "31 CAL" on the left side of the trigger guard. The butt of the grip has "S.C." marked in dots and a small "E." The case contains a cap tin, bullet mold, small eagle powder flask, lead balls, and a cartridge pack.

Fine with 25% of original blue finish on the protected areas of the barrel, artificial brown on the cylinder, attractive aged patina on the grip straps, dark patina on the balance, some marring at the barrel and frame junction on the right, general mild wear, and some play in the cylinder fit. The grip is fine and has scratches and dings, hammering marks on the butt, a hairline crack in the top left, and general mild wear. Mechanically fine. The case and accessories are all fine and have mild storage wear. This is a solid representative example of Colt late percussion vine engraving.