This attractive Colt '49 Pocket was manufactured in 1856 and features factory floral-scroll engraving with punched backgrounds on the barrel, loading lever, frame, and grip frame along with some shell accents, "Saml Colt" inscribed on the barrel, "COLTS/PATENT" inscribed on the frame, and "Sac Newman/St. Louis. Mo." inscribed on the back strap. The serial numbers all match, and there are factory "dot" markings by the lower serial numbers. The included information from the consignor includes a notation that the revolver was "a gift from Colt to Newman" and identify him as Socrates Newman (1826-1893), a prominent businessman and local politician in St. Louis. In the 1850s, he was a Democrat as was Samuel Colt. His father was Captain Jonas Newman who was active in the Mississippi River trade, and his mother, Susanne LeBeaume, was from one of the wealthy old French families. He was the City Registrar in 1852-1854 and then became a clerk for the circuit court. He then partnered with George C. Graham in an iron foundry business. Graham & Newman made, among many other things, the large water mains in St. Louis in the mid-19th century. They also operated a gas-works in Hannibal, Missouri, most famous as the hometown of Mark Twain. He sold his interests following Graham's death in 1864. In 1869, he and W.H. Pritchartt formed a fire insurance business. In 1876, he became the receiver of the St. Louis Gas Light Company and thereafter manager and president of the company and then retired in 1889. Aside from both being active in businesses involving iron and both being Democrats, there are no known connections between Samuel Colt and Newman.

Fine with 85% plus original silver plating on the grip frame, crisp inscription and engraving, plum brown town on the barrel and cylinder, dark brown patina on the balance, and mild overall wear including some pitting. The highly figured grip is also fine and has light scratches, minor lower edge wear, a patch of absent varnish on the right, and glossy original varnish on the balance. Mechanically fine. Overall, a very attractive antebellum era Colt '49 Pocket connected to the border state of Missouri.