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CONDITION: Fine. The barrel and cylinder retain 60% original thinning blue finish with some smooth brown and a few minor dings on the barrel. The trigger guard and back strap retain 95% of the original silver plating. The frame shows some of the soft, nicely toned original case colors mixed with smooth gray patina. The grips are excellent with most of the original varnish having wear limited to the right side lower edge. There are a couple of minor pressure dents and light handling marks overall. The markings and cylinder scene are crisp and clear. The action functions fine but is a little out of time. The case is fine with a couple of minor age hairline cracks visible in the lid and a few overall minor dings. The lining is faded and shows some wear at the cylinder contact points. The accessories are all fine. An exceptionally rare and desirable cased Model 1849 “Wells Fargo” Pocket revolver had would enhance
any Colt collection.
Provenance: The Will Hoffeld Collection; The Norm Vegely Collection.
Estimate: 15,000 - 25,000
LOT 3133
Extremely Scarce Factory Cased Colt Model 1849 Pocket “Wells Fargo” Percussion Revolver with scarce 4 Inch Barrel and Accessories - Serial no. 15662, 31 cal., 4 inch octagon bbl., blue/casehardened/silver finish, varnished walnut grips. This all original, factory cased Colt Model 1849 “Wells Fargo” was manufactured in 1850, the first year of production. This particular revolver has the extremely scarce 4-inch octagon barrel with no provision for a loading lever and small round trigger guard. According to “The Book of Colt Firearms” by Wilson, any Colt 1849 “Wells Fargo” revolvers with barrel lengths other than 3 inches are considered “unusual and in good demand” . The revolver is in the correct 15000 serial number block for the “Wells Fargo” Model 1849 revolvers. The top of the barrel is marked “ADDRESS SAML COLT / NEW YORK CITY” with dashes at each end, the left side of the frame is marked “COLTS / PATENT,” and the cylinder is roll-engraved with the stagecoach holdup scene and “COLTS PATENT / No.15662” in two panels. The serial number, “15662,” is marked on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, back strap and cylinder, and the wedge is mismatched. Fitted with one piece varnished grips. The revolver is complete with an oak case made specifically made for this type of revolver. The case has red velvet lining with five compartments and the following accessories: 1) a standing eagle powder flask, 2) a brass two cavity bullet mold marked “COLTS / PATENT”, 3) a very rare rammer tool with screwdriver, 4) Eley Bros percussion cap tin, 5) a key. 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. These are just plainly not available and are extremely scarce.
According to "The Book of Colt Firearms" by Wilson, any Colt 1849 "Wells Fargo" revolvers with barrel lengths other than 3 inches are considered "unusual and in good demand"
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