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LOT 186
Very Fine Cased Colt Model 1849 Pocket
Percussion Revolver with Accessories -
Serial no. 106263, 31 cal., 4 inch octagon bbl.,
blue/casehardened/silver finish, walnut grips.
Manufactured in 1855, this is a very fine example
of one of Colt’s most prolific models. The Colt
Model 1849 Pocket was manufactured in several
variations in 1850-1873 and around 340,000 were
manufactured compared to 215,348 of the popular
Model 1851 Navy and around 182,000 antique
Single Action Army revolvers. The top of the barrel
has the two-line address, stagecoach holdup scene
on the cylinder, and “COLTS PATENT” on both the
cylinder and left of the frame. All of the visible
serial numbers are matching, including the wedge.
Includes a hardwood case with American eagle
powder flask, Colt’s patent ball mold (is .36 caliber),
cap tin, and some bullets/balls.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 60% of the original blue finish, 70% of the muted original case colors, and 90% of the original silver, with the balance mostly a smooth
grey patina. The grip is also very fine with some scattered minor handling marks and some mild wear on the lower edge. Mechanically excellent. Case and accessories
are very good with moderate wear, most notably on the flask.
Estimate: 3,500 - 4,750
LOT 185
Very Fine Cased Colt Model 1855 “Root” Sidehammer Percussion Pocket Revolver with Desirable 4 1/2 Inch
Barrel - Serial no. 2471, 31 cal., 4 1/2 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. Manufactured in 1861, this revolver is
the Model 5A variation of the Model 1855 “Root” revolver. The 5A variation featured a full fluted cylinder, .31 caliber,
and a desirable 4 1/2 inch barrel. It has a brass post front sight on the two-stage barrel which is marked “ADDRESS COL.
COLT/NEW-YORK U.S.A.” on top at the breech, the patent date marked on the fluted cylinder, matching serial numbers
on the bottom of the barrel and butt. It is fitted with a brass cone front sight, frame-top groove rear sight, and a
varnished walnut grip. Includes a hardwood case, attractive peacock motif powder flask, ball mold, cap tin, ramrod/
cleaning rod, combination tool, and key.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 60% plus of the bright, original, high polish blue finish with some mild handling/high spot
wear/flaking, primarily on the cylinder, recoil shield, and back strap, showing mostly a grey patina. There is a small
patch of light pitting on the right of the barrel. The grip is also fine with some minor dings and a small edge chip.
Mechanically excellent. The relined case is very good with some scattered minor handling/storage marks.
Estimate: 2,500 - 3,750
LOT 184
Factory Engraved Colt Model 1849
Pocket Percussion Revolver Inscribed “Camilla
H. McKeen” with Ivory Grip - Serial no. 140253, 31 cal., 4
inch octagon bbl., blue/casehardened/silver finish, antique
ivory grips. This revolver was manufactured in 1858 and
features the classic “Gustave Young” style scroll engraving
with beaded backgrounds and animal mask and foliate
accents popularized by Gustave Young and other German
trained engravers working for Colt in the 1850s and 1860s.
There is an eagle mask above the loading lever screw on
the left and another by the hammer screw on the left. The
“COLTS/PATENT” marking is inscribed among the scrollwork
on the left rather than the usual stamped marking, and the
presentation style “Saml Colt” inscription is on the barrel in
place of the standard barrel address. The revolver has the
standard sights and matching visible serial numbers. The
factory apostrophe style marking designating the revolver
for engraving and/or special finishing is marked above or
below the main serial numbers. The back strap is neatly
inscribed with “Camilla H McKeen”. It is notably rare to find a
woman’s name inscribed on an antique Colt. Unfortunately,
the lady’s identity has not been recorded. She may be Camilla
Hammond McKean (nee Moore) (b. 1809) of Baltimore,
Maryland, who married William Swan McKean. Their daughter
was Camilla Hammond McKean (1830-1889).
CONDITION: Fine with 60% original silver plating on the
trigger guard and back strap, aged patina on the brass, 40%
original blue on the barrel, dark brown patina on the balance,
mild oxidation/pitting, and distinct engraving and markings.
Aside from a crack on the left, the grip is also very good and
has attractively aged patina, natural grain, and minor wear.
The cylinder does not rotate, but the hammer
and trigger function.
Estimate: 4,500 - 6,500
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