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LOT 280
Spectacular, Highly Desirable, Well-
Documented, and Rare Factory Cased
“Wells Fargo Model” Colt Model 1849
Pocket Percussion Revolver, Formerly
of The William Locke Collection - Serial
no. 55780, 31 cal., 3 inch octagon bbl., blue/
casehardened/silver finish, walnut grips.
Manufactured in 1853. This is a spectacular,
outstanding, example of one of approximately
4,000 of these “Wells Fargo Model” variation
Colt Model 1849 Pocket revolvers that were
manufactured, mixed in the approximate
15000-164000 serial range of 1849 Pocket
production, per “Flayderman’s Guide” (9th
Edition, 5B-047). There were approximately
340,000 total Colt Model 1849 Pockets
manufactured in a variety of configurations
between 1850-1873, making these “Wells
Fargo Model” revolvers comparatively scarce,
with the strong majority carried and used
out west, where these handy little revolvers
would have been favored by gamblers and
travelers alike. It features a 3 inch barrel
without provisions for a loading lever, a solid
lug without loading slots, and otherwise
standard Model 1849 features. The top of the
barrel is marked with the two-line “{ADDRESS
SAML COLT/NEW YORK CITY}”. The five-shot
cylinder is roll-engraved with the stagecoach
holdup scene and “COLT’S PATENT” above
the matching number in a panel. “COLTS/
PATENT” marked on the left side of the frame.
Matching visible serial numbers on the barrel,
frame, trigger guard, cylinder, and butt.
Inventory type number “197” non-factory
carved on the left bottom surface of the grip.
The revolver is complete with rare factory oak
case with velvet felt lined fitted interior made
specifically for this type of revolver, containing
an array of proper accessories including a
double sided stars and dots pattern pocket
powder flask, blued “L” shaped combination
tool, bright two-cavity .31 caliber bullet mold
marked “COLTS/PATENT” on the front, Eley
Bros cap tin, a 5-count pack of combustible
Colt Pocket cartridges, key, and lead balls.
The “Wells Fargo Models” are a desirable and
highly sought after variation of the Colt Model
1849 Pocket series, and this rare set is even
more desirable. Complete cased sets are just
plainly not available and are extremely scarce,
let alone in this high state of condition. This
exact revolver is featured on page 67 of “The
William M. Locke Collection” book.
CONDITION: Excellent, retains 95% original
high polish blue finish on the barrel with
some light pitting on the muzzle, rub marks
on top, rear of front sight, 90% plus on the
cylinder, 97% vivid original case colors on the
frame with some smooth gray patina on the
hammer, 98% original silver plated finish with
an attractive natural tarnished appearance,
some small dings around the wedge, and an
extremely sharp cylinder scene and markings
overall. Grip is also excellent, with nearly all of
the original glossy piano varnish finish, tight
fitment, and very crisp edges. Mechanically
excellent. Case and accessories are very fine,
with a few cracks in the lid. Opportunities such
as this do not readily present themselves. One
will search a long time to find another factory
cased “Wells Fargo Model” Colt Model 1849
Pocket revolver as fine as this example offered!
Provenance:
The William M. Locke Collection;
The George S. Lewis Jr. Collection.
Estimate: 30,000 - 50,000
As pictured & described in
The William M. Locke Collection by Sellers