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LOT 3101
Desirable Factory Engraved Colt Model 1849 Pocket
Percussion Revolver - Serial no. 47859, 31 cal., 4 inch octagon
bbl., blue/casehardened/silver finish, walnut grips. The Colt Model 1849 Pocket was the most popular of all of Colt’s
percussion revolvers and was a common choice for a personal sidearm during the antebellum and Civil War eras. This revolver was manufactured in 1852, is engraved in the early Hartford style of vine scroll, and is pictured on p. 204 of “Colt’s Pocket ‘49” by Jordan and Watt. Punch dot marks are visible near all of the serial numbers apart from the barrel, indicating factory engraving. The scroll engraving is present on about half of the revolver, including all of the major components. The top of the barrel is only marked with “Saml Colt”, which is hand engraved. It otherwise has standard markings and features including a nicely figured, varnished walnut grip. All numbers are matching.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 90% plus of the original silver plating, showing an attractively aged patina, and traces of the bright original blue finish in sheltered areas with the balance mostly a smooth grey patina and some scattered light surface pitting. The grip is also fine with some scattered minor dings and scratches, vise marks visible on either side, and retains most of the varnish. Does not hold at half cock, otherwise mechanically fine.
Estimate: 7,500 - 9,500
LOT 3102
Very Fine Cased Colt “Root” Model 1855 Sidehammer Pocket Percussion Revolver - Serial no. 4104, 31 cal., 3 1/2 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. The Colt Model 1855 Sidehammer Pocket Revolver was the only handgun designed by Samuel Colt using a solid frame and was nicknamed after his foreman and superintendent Elisha K. Root. They were manufactured first in .28 caliber and then in .31 caliber and are certainly among the finest pocket handguns of the era. Only approximately 14,000 of the .31 caliber Model 1855 Pocket Revolvers were manufactured c. 1860-1870 across multiple variations. This “Model 5” variant was manufactured in 1861 with a two-stage barrel with a cone front sight and “ADDRESS COL. COLT/NEW-YORK U.S.A” marking, fluted cylinder with “PATENTED SEPT. 10th 1850” in one of the flutes, varnished one-piece grip, and matching serial numbers on the bottom of the barrel and butt and the back of the cylinder. The case contains a screwdriver, balls, key, powder flask, double cavity bold, and L-shaped combination tool. CONDITION: Fine with 80% plus original blue finish and dark case colors remaining, smooth gray and brown patina on the small faded areas, crisp markings, and minimal handling and storage type wear. The otherwise fine grip has a large chip absent off the toe section, a smaller chip on the heel on the right side, minor scratches and dings, and nearly all of the original high polish “piano” varnish remaining. Mechanically fine. The case and accessories are also fine and have mild age and storage related wear. Provenance: The George Lewis Collection. Estimate: 4,500 - 7,000
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