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LOT 184
Exceptionally Fine and Desirable Cased Colt Pocket Navy Percussion
Revolver - Serial no. 1312, 36 cal., 5 1/2 inch octagon bbl.,
blue/casehardened/silver finish, walnut grips. This model has been known to collectors by various names over
the years. The details of the serial numbers and dates of manufacture also remain disputed. Colt currently lists this revolver as a “Pocket Pistol of Navy Caliber”
manufactured in 1861 within the same range as Police revolvers. However,
the Colt Collector’s Association now lists this model as manufactured in
1865-1872 within a serial number range of 1-22000. These are fairly rare and
definitely desirable Colts and are difficult to find in high condition. It has
the classic Colt percussion revolver finish combination of rich blue finish on the barrel and
cylinder, case colors on the frame as well as the loading lever and hammer, niter blue on the
screws and trigger, silver-plated brass grip straps, and a high polish “piano” varnish finish on
the one-piece walnut grip. The barrel has the one-line New York address, the frame has the
“COLTS/PATENT” marking, the trigger guard is marked “36 CAL,” and matching full or partial
serial numbers are on the frame, barrel, trigger guard, back strap, cylinder, wedge, and cylinder pin. The loading lever is not marked. The partitioned case comes with a correct blued “COLTS/PATENT”“36P” marked bullet mold, Eley Brothers cap tin, package of six seamless skin cartridges, bullets, balls and double sided eagle powder flask.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine. The barrel and cylinder retain 70% plus original blue finish with balance thinning to a brown. The cylinder scene is clear and crisp. 75% vivid original case colors remain on the loading lever, hammer and frame. 97% original silver plating remains on the trigger guard and back strap. The grip is very fine with some minor handling marks and retaining most of the original varnish. Mechanically excellent. The case is fine with a barely noticeable hairline crack on the lid, minor handling/storage marks and faded lining with typical high spot wear. Powder flask retains most of the original lacquer finish with a shallow dent. 90% original blue finish remains on the excellent bullet mold.
Estimate: 9,000 - 13,000
LOT 185
Cased Colt Model 1849 Pocket Percussion Revolver - Serial no.
289771, 31 percussion cal., 4 inch octagon bbl., blue/ casehardened/silver finish, varnished walnut grips. This is a fine example of a Colt Model 1849 revolver that was manufactured in 1866. The barrel and cylinder have the Colt high polish
commercial blue finish. The loading lever, hammer and frame are color casehardened, and the brass trigger guard and back strap are silver-plated. The walnut
grip has a varnished piano finish. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped “ADDRESS COL SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA”. The cylinder is roll-engraved with the Stagecoach Holdup scene and “COLT’S PATENT” markings. “COLT’S/PATENT” is stamped on the left side of the
frame. “31 CAL” is stamped on the left shoulder of the trigger guard. The full serial number, “289771,” is stamped on the loading lug, frame, trigger guard and back strap. The cylinder is stamped
with the partial serial number “9771”. The revolver has a mahogany factory case with five compartments lined with maroon velvet. The case contains: aged reproduction pocket pistol flask with fixed charger, blued iron .31 caliber mold for conical bullets and round balls marked “COLT’S/PATENT” on the sprue cutter, E. Joyce cap tin with red paper label, key, and several .31 caliber lead balls.
CONDITION: Fine. The revolver retains 60% plus original blue and color casehardened finish. Most of the Colt
commercial blue finish is present on the barrel and cylinder with scattered handling marks and small spots of age discoloration. The cylinder retains 85%
of the scene. Four of the five cylinder safety pins are complete, and the percussion nipples and rear face of the cylinder show moderate flash pitting. The
loading lever, frame and hammer retain more than 85% of the case colors with some small spots of age discoloration on the sides of the loading lever and frame and some flash pitting on the sides and front of the hammer. Traces of the silver plated finish are present on protected areas of the trigger guard and back strap. The balance of the trigger guard and back strap has aged to a dark patina. The walnut grip is excellent and retains more than 90% of the high polish piano finish; wear is limited to a few minor handling marks. The action functions well. The barrel, frame and cylinder markings are crisp. The case exterior is very good with a few minor handling marks. The lining is fair with fading, oil stains and age discoloration. The accessories are very good. This is a fine example of an 1866 production Colt Model 1849 Pocket revolver.
Estimate: 3,750 - 5,500
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