Original 1849 Colt Pocket Revolver

[Cemetery]

Recently came across a guy selling a supposed original Colt 1849 Pocket revolver he wants to sell for about $900.

Anybody familiar with originals?

I'm wondering about how I can tell if it is an original, and if I can get caps and new nipples for it.  I've seen photos, it's shooter grade.

Just not interested in guns that I can have quality trigger time with.

[St. George]

You'd do better to buy one of the Colt Blackpowder 'Signature Series' Pocket Revolvers, than to risk ruining an original.

Not to say one can't shoot originals - far from it - but 'competing' with one isn't the best of ideas, and 'quality trigger time' will be best served with a revolver made of modern metallurgy.

An original should be serial numbered on the barrel, cylinder, frame, wedge, grips, backstrap and triggerguard and even the arbor, since they were finished after hand-fitting.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Cemetery]

'quality trigger time' will be best served with a revolver made of modern metallurgy.

You do have a point.

[St. George]

Indeed.

Those old revolvers were made of iron - the case-hardening was done to strengthen it a bit, but then as now, was only microns thick.

Today's revolvers are made of steel, and are much more durable.

Good Luck!

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Montana Slim]

depends what you're planning to do with it.

My Pa has an original 1849...and we've shot it a fair bit.....no problems....but, before getting it to shoot well, he had the hammer face professionally repaired (welded/rehardened). Someone added solder to it long ago as a fix. His a not a museum grade firearm & we don't find shooting it to be causing any noticeable wear.....I'm sure it isn't 100% original parts, either & it's not used at cowboy matches....just for fun. Same for an 1851 & the 1861 R-M. 10-20 years from now, I reckon it'll still be in good shape & worth more than the $$ paid for it.

Regards,
Slim