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, and very few of these Model 1849 Pocket conversions were manufactured. The system required only fitting a specially modified cylinder with a removable breech plate that included a firing pin and a slight milled spot on the right side by the top of recoil shield cut-out. The tapered Thuer cartridges were 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. The accompanying factory letter states the revolver was shipped to Colt's London Agency, London, England, on July 14, 1862 with a 5 inch barrel, 5 shot cylinder (current Thuer conversion cylinder has 6 shots), and blue finish. Rarely do we catalog Model 1849s that will factory letter. The back of the cylinder has "F" and "41," and the back of the breech plate is also marked "F" and "41" and has "PAT.SEP./15.1868." on the left side and an "E" on the right. The cylinder has the stagecoach holdup scene. Matching full or partial serial numbers are on the frame, barrel, trigger guard, back strap, arbor pin, wedge and loading lever. The partitioned case is lined in green felt, has a directions paper label on the interior of the lid and contains a case key, cleaning rod, 7 cartridges, 5 brass cartridge casings, blued bullet mold marked "COLTS/PATENT" on the sprue cutter and "31PKT" on the right side, "L" shaped combination tool, Dixon & Sons powder flask, and loading tool. Provenance: The Mac McCroskie Collection

Extremely fine overall. The barrel retains 70% bright original high polished blue finish with the balance a smooth brown patina. All of the crisp cylinder scene remains with 85% bright original high polish blue remaining. 95% vivid original case colors remain on the loading lever, hammer and frame. The grip straps retain 95% original silver plating. The grip is excellent with some minor handling marks and retaining nearly all original varnish. Mechanically excellent. The case is very fine with minor handling/storage marks and some high spot wear on the lining. Most of the directions label remains. The bullet mold retains 95% original blue finish. 70% original nitre blue remains on the combination tool. The powder flask has a couple of dings and retains 95% plus original lacquer. An exceptional, very scarce Colt Thuer conversion Model 1849 revolver usually missing from even the most advanced Colt collections.