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Lot 3202:Cased Pair of Colt Model 1849 Pocket Percussion Revolvers

December 11th, 2022|Rock Island, IL

Lot 3202:Cased Pair of Colt Model 1849 Pocket Percussion Revolvers

December 11th, 2022|Rock Island, IL

Estimated Price$35,000 - $55,000

A) Colt Model 1849 Pocket Revolver

The Model 1849 Pocket saw extensive use throughout the United States in the mid-19th century during the gold rushes, settlement of the West, and the turmoil of the Civil War. As his most popular seller, it was a key model in securing Samuel Colt's fortune and legacy. While the Colt Model 1849 Pocket was the most popular of all 19th century Colt revolvers, they are hard to find in exceptional condition, and double cased Colt percussion revolvers of any model are very scarce. A double cased pair in exceptional condition is essentially unheard of. This extraordinarily fine pair of Colt Model 1849 Pocket revolvers was manufactured in 1854 and is the high condition pair of Colt Model 1849 Pockets ever offered by Rock Island Auction. The revolvers are only 113 serial numbers apart and have clearly rarely been out of their case and likely never fired. They come in a very rare rosewood double case fitted to the pair and also contain two Eley Bros. cap tins, a small single sided eagle powder flask, cartridge pack, blued Colt's patent iron ball and conical bullet mold, five loose cartridges, a few balls and bullets, an L-shaped combination tool, two extra nipples, and a key. Both pistols have the standard markings and features, including matching visible serial numbers. The first pistol also has a "5" on the left side of the barrel lug. The second pistol has a "2" at the same location.

Rating definitionExcellent with 95% plus overall original finish. The barrel has bright original blue, minor edge wear, a small patch of minor surface oxidation, and a few dings by the wedge on the right. The cylinder has some light fading, minor drag lines, and three flattened safety pins on the rear. 97% of the original case colors remain on the frame, and they are particularly bright. The frame has some original flaws at the edges and light handling and storage marks. The grip straps have attractive untouched aged patina on the silver plating. The grip is also excellent and has glossy original varnish and some minor handling and storage marks and dings. Mechanically excellent. The case is very fine and has minor age and storage related wear. The accessories are also very fine to excellent. The mold retains nearly all of the original blue, and the flask has strong original brown lacquer.

Details

ManufacturerColt

Model1849

TypeRevolver

Serial number

ClassAntique

Caliber / Gauge31

Barrel5 inch octagon

Finishblue/casehardened/silver

Gripvarnished walnut

Item LocationRock Island, IL

Catalog page141

B) Colt Model 1849 Pocket Revolver

As described in "A." Provenance: The Don and Carol Wilkerson Collection

Rating definitionExceptionally fine. The barrel has 95% plus of the bright original blue finish, minor edge wear, and a few light dings on the left. The cylinder has 80% plus original blue finish with some light fading, a crisp roll-scene, minor drag lines, and all but one of the safety pins complete. 75% of the original case colors remain with fading from age to a smooth, mottled gray patina. The grip straps retain 98% plus original silver plating with attractive aged darkened patina. The grip is also exceptionally fine and has glossy original varnish, minimal light handling and storage marks, flaking on the right, and very minor edge wear. Mechanically excellent. This is an absolutely stunning cased set. Very few double cased sets like this exist, and this set is one of the finest we've ever offered at auction.