1849 pocket questions

[Little Red]

I picked up a 1849 pocket last week that Is in overall nice shape. Wouldn't lock up, had a hair trigger, wouldn't turn the cylinder when pointed upwards.....all things since fixed with only a new hand/paw for turning the cylinder. My question is I have read a lot of info on this and all descriptions from print text and most on the net call it a 5 shot. Mine is a 6. It has a serial # in the 252,XXX range so it was made in 1864. How uncommon are they? I assume they upgraded from 5 to 6 shots when the steel they were using was improved upon over that used when it was first produced.

Also, I've found a couple of stamped single numbers on it. For example, on the guard below where is says .31CAL there is a number 3 stamped. It is on the fingerguard itself. I found a number 7on the recoil shield also. These are the only 2 that showed up without a close inspection. Any thoughts?

 

[Fingers McGee]

Colt made 1849 Pocket models in five and six shot versions. I don't have any idea of how prevalent the six shots were; but, both five and six shot models were advertised at the same time.

 

[saaman]

Mine is 202,XXX and it has the number 6 on the triggerguard. It is also a 6 shot.

 

[TheOutlawKid]

Thats interesting...i never knew they came in 6 shot. Learn something new everyday. Thanks for sharing, would you mind sharing some pics of your entire gun with the rest of us? Im sure im not the only one who would like to see this gem. :-D only if possible and if not an inconvenience that is.

 

[Little Red]

Far from a gem, but it is now in condition to be fired once again. Will try to upload pics within 24 hours.

 

[TheOutlawKid]

Thanks little red!

 

[Little Red]

Not the best pics or many, but here are a couple I took. I WILL get better ones when time allows. Love the comparison with the Walker, just shows how big the Walker is.

 

[TheOutlawKid]

Thanks Little Red! If that gun could talk..i can only imagine the history its witnessed. Do you know any of its history?

 

[Coyote3855]

I volunteer at a local museum and assist the curator with the firearms collection. We have a six- shot Colt 1849 Pocket Model SN 2335XX in good antique condition. Serial number indicates it was made in 1863. Here's a link to a video featuring the Pocket Model and a Third Model Dragoon.

 

[TheOutlawKid]

Coyote...thanks for the excellent video!

 

[45 Dragoon]

Nice video!! He could have mentioned that the 3rd mod. Dragoon was the most popular large cal. revolver as well (not to mention Sam's favorite). How 'bout that, the two most popular models of the percussion Colt revolvers in the same vid.!

Mike

 

[TheOutlawKid]

I always thought the 1861 navy was sams favorite. Hmm...or maybe he just thought it was the "prettiest"?

 

[drobs]

I volunteer at a local museum and assist the curator with the firearms collection. We have a six- shot Colt 1849 Pocket Model SN 2335XX in good antique condition. Serial number indicates it was made in 1863. Here's a link to a video featuring the Pocket Model and a Third Model Dragoon.

Excellent videos Sir. I had to watch all of them.
We need a tour of the vault.

 

[bannockburn]

Coyote3855

Another thanks for the great video!