Product Description
VERY SCARCE Antique “WELLS FARGO” Model COLT 1849 .31 Cal. POCKET Revolver
DESIRABLE Antebellum Pocket Revolver Made in 1853
Here we present an antique Colt 1849 Pocket Revolver “Wells Fargo Model”, made in 1853 in Hartford, Connecticut. Though over 340,000 1849 Pocket Revolvers were produced by Colt’s factory at Hartford, only a mere 4,000 of them were produced in this configuration with a 3-inch barrel and no loading lever. Another common element observed is that they all seem to have been marked with an “8” under one or several of the serial numbers (this one to the side of the serial number on the cylinder). This is similar to the designation that Colt used for its special order or engraved revolvers, those displaying a dot or letter under the serial numbers. These would have been even handier for the pocket than their longer-barreled brethren and have been colloquially called the “Wells Fargo Model”.
One of the most aesthetically pleasing aspects of the 1849 Pocket is its cylinder scene. Cylinder scenes during this period were common, especially for Colt, not only for their visual appeal, but because it made a revolver more difficult to forge. The scene on the 1849 Pocket is that of a stagecoach robbery. The focal point is the stagecoach drawn by four horses. A woman in a dress is seen framed in the doorway of the side of the coach. The driver is standing alongside wielding his pistol against multiple assailants as the horses rear and struggle against their harnesses. Several of the bandits lay dying on the ground, one tries to control the horses, two are running away and one is in the process of falling dead after being shot. Not a bad way to show interested buyers what a pistol like this would be good for. It did a fine job as a self-defense handgun for the average citizen in 19th Century America.
The overall condition is very good. Gray patina throughout. The cylinder scene remains very visible. The action is excellent. The bore is very nice with sharp rifling. The serial numbers match throughout, including the wedge. The grip shows wear and remains solid. A very nice example of a rare Colt!
Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.
Barrel is 3 inches.
Caliber: .31 Percussion
Overall condition as seen in photos.
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$5150
#220205