1849 Pocket Revolver By Samuel Colt

Description

A lovely New York Model 1849 six shot Colt pocket .31 Caliber, serial number 285009. Matching numbers. Cylinder has been marked with the last four digits 5009. Address: Colt Samuel, Colt New York US America. According to Colt serial number records circa 1866.

Background:
The Colt Pocket Percussion Revolvers, often referred to by collectors as the "Pocket Models" was one of Samuel Colt’s earliest and most successful pocket revolvers and played an important role in the development of American repeating firearms. Introduced around 1847, the .31 calibre pocket model evolved from Colt’s earlier Paterson revolvers and was designed as a compact, easily carried handgun for civilians, travellers, officers, and frontiersmen.

The revolver was a single-action percussion firearm using a five-shot cylinder chambered in .31 calibre. Although much smaller than Colt’s famous cavalry pistols such as the Walker or Dragoon models, it retained the same basic operating principles and styling. Its compact size made it ideal for coat-pocket or belt carry, which greatly increased its popularity during the mid-19th century.

By 1850, the design evolved into the better-known Model 1849 Pocket Revolver, which became one of Colt’s most commercially successful firearms. 325,000 were produced, and the design remained popular through the American Civil War and after.

Although it utilised a smaller calibre compared to the full-sized Army and Navy models, its lightweight design and portability were often favoured over sheer stopping power, as it filled an important niche as a practical self-defence weapon. This was especially pertinent for members of the armed forces and civilians who did not serve on the frontline in direct combat roles, but instead operated in support, administrative, or logistical positions.

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