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LOT 3247
Exceptional and Highly Desirable “Wells Fargo Model”
Colt Model 1849 Pocket Percussion Revolver - Serial
no. 85303, 31 cal., 3 inch octagon bbl., blue/casehardened/
silver finish, varnished walnut grips. Manufactured in 1854.
Approximately 4,000 of these “Wells Fargo Model” variation
Colt Model 1849 Pocket revolvers were manufactured,
mixed intermittently throughout the 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, with this Wells Fargo variant having a long bolster at the breech of the barrel, 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.
CONDITION: Excellent, retains 97% bright original high polish blue finish on the barrel, 80% on the cylinder with
smooth gray and brown patina on the balance, 95% plus muted original case colors on the frame and hammer,
98% original silver plated finish on the trigger guard and back strap with some tarnishing, some small dings
around the wedge, and an absolutely sharp cylinder scene and markings overall. Grip is also excellent, retains
nearly all of the original glossy piano varnish finish, with a few small spots of minor surface flaking, tight fitment,
and crisp edges. Mechanically excellent. This exceptional “Wells Fargo Model” Colt Model 1849 Pocket revolver
stands far above the strong majority of surviving examples!
Provenance: The George S. Lewis Jr. Collection.
Estimate: 15,000 - 25,000
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