Old Revolver

[JP]

I didn’t dig this up; obvious because of the condition. I made a trade for this old revolver a couple of years ago. The story behind it was that supposedly it was carried by the original owner’s great grandfather in the Civil War.

I have been trying to research the revolver since I bought it and really haven’t had any luck. I believe the proof marks on it are British and seems to be a copy of a Colt. There was a similar one for sale online (that I can’t find again…my luck) that said that it was made for Colt through a contract prior to the Civil War. They also said that the same British company continued to manufacture them after the contract ran out and were sold to the Confederacy. It is marked Cal. on one side. The other says Patent System. On the top of the barrel it has writing that has faded but a few letters are visible. Under the barrel there are several proof marks and flags, also there are several on the cylinder.

Any information from the experts out there would be greatly appreciated.

 

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[creskol]

It looks like it is patterned after a Model1849 .31 Cal. Colt Pocket Revolver.

 

[Frank1960]

That is sweet looking

 

[timekiller]

It looks like it is patterned after a Model1849 .31 Cal. Colt Pocket Revolver.

I agree although I see some 36 cal.'s that also look close.

The pics. below are a 31 cal...................................



Circa. #8500 (1855)
A fantastic cased COLT Model 1849 LONDON Pocket Revolver circa, #8500, all matching (1855). 4", .31 cal. octagon steel barrel w/ "ADDRESS. CO: COLT, LONDON" on the top flat and marked w/British proofs on the left side w/98%+ original blue. Rare iron trigger guard and back strap w/approx. 85% original finish. Frame w/95%+ original vibrant case colors. Cylinder has 99% of the scene and 95% original blue. Slim Jim style grips retain approx. 95% original varnish w/minor age scratches and dings from years of handling. Cased in the original deluxe brass cornered and reinforced red velvet lined box w/accessories. A wonderful near mint example that is hard to improve upon. In good working order.

Accessories include: Eley cap tin, (2) keys, (3) paper cartridges, nipple wrench, COLT PATENT bullet mold, and a JAMES DIXON & SON, SHEFFIELD powder flask.

Take Care,
Pete,

 

[JP]

I agree although I see some 36 cal.'s that also look close.

The pics. below are a 31 cal...................................
Take Care,
Pete,

Pete.

I saw that it is 36 Cal.

I wish I could find out if it is a model made for the war or during the time period or is it a copy that some company made recently to look like an old Colt 1849 Pocket revolver.

Thanks everybody for the replies.

 

[timekiller]

Pete.

I saw that it is 36 Cal.

I wish I could find out if it is a model made for the war or during the time period or is it a copy that some company made recently to look like an old Colt 1849 Pocket revolver.

Thanks everybody for the replies.

I've not read all this short on time but looks like some good reading your answer might be in it somewhere...........


http://asoac.org/bulletins/85_breslin_colt.pdf

Also a good site on colts.....................
http://www.collectorsfirearms.com/admin/show_inventory.php?catID=13

 

[NOLA_Ken]

What's the serial number on it? that would be the quickest way to date it.

 

[JP]

Hi, the serial number is six digits 1046xx. There are three sets of serial numbers and all match. I put further up the chain that it says 36 Cal. on one side, but it looks more like 35 Cal. Any ideas on the proof marks?

Thanks.

 

[SODABOTTLEBOB]

JP ~

If what you say are in fact serial numbers, then that's that. I'm not sure if the 1046xx means that it actually has x's on the end, or if you mean you can't read the last two numbers. But if they happen to be patent numbers, then that sequence of six numbers would be for ...

98460 to 110,616 = 1870

SBB

 

[SODABOTTLEBOB]

PS ~

I jumped the 'gun' on my question above, and realize now you were referring to serial numbers and not patent numbers. So to make up for my blunder buss, here's a link to a site that should help you identify and date the serial number. Just select from the options in the left column, such as ...

Model 1849 Pocket

Link: Serial Number Data

SBB

And if I understand their system of serial numbers correctly, the following seems to fit ...

Colt 1849 Pocket London

[TD="width: 50%"]Year
[/TD]
[TD="width: 50%"]Serial Number
[/TD]

[TD="width: 50%"]1853
[/TD]
[TD="width: 50%"]1
[/TD]

[TD="width: 50%"]1854
[/TD]
[TD="width: 50%"]1000 1046xx
[/TD]

[TD="width: 50%"]1855
[/TD]
[TD="width: 50%"]5000
[/TD]

[TD="width: 50%"]1856
[/TD]
[TD="width: 50%"]9000 - 11000
[/TD]

 

[JP]

My father said many years ago that the people put the x's on there because of paranoia . I figure it is because people are scared to throw out there a full serial number. It does have a full serial number.

Thanks for the information sodabottlebob. I will go over it better when I get out of work today.

 

[NOLA_Ken]

What I think you have is an English made copy of the 1849 pocket revolver. A licensed Colt pistol would be marked with :Address Col Sam Colt New York US America" on the top of the barrel

Looking at the marks......the crown with the "R" under it is - "Re-proof mark, seen on black powder guns which had been proofed with nitro powders. These guns will also have the "NP" mark. Seen on repaired guns that required re=proofing."
The crown "A" I believe is the original inspectors mark, both of which indicate a London made gun as far as my info goes.

Who made it? Well the writing on the barrel will tell us that. I would take a bit of baby powder and gently coat the writing and wipe it slowly until you can make out more of the lettering.