Old Colt Pocket Pistol

[BigAl-V92]

I have an old Colt Pocket Pistol I understand was made in the mid 1800's. It is a 6 shot cap and ball, hex barrel looks like approx 36 caliber. All the serial numbers match (2078xx). The cylinder has a stagecoach scene on it with several men around it that appear to be shooting or robbing it. I tried to look it up several years ago and recall finding the serial numbers from that period were apparently lost in a fire at the Colt factory. Just wondering if anyone can fill me in a little on its history.
thanks
Al

Forgot to mention the barrel marks read: ADDRESS COL SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S.AMERICA and the cylinder is marked: COLTS PATENT No078xx (just like the serial w/o the first number)

 

[Steven Mace]

BigAl-V92, it sounds like you're describing a Model 1849 Pocket Revolver. These were made from 1850-1873 and all were chambered in .31 caliber. The serial number you've listed would indicate yours was made in 1863. Pictures would definitely help verify this information.

Steve Mace

 

[StrawHat]

Steven Mace is pretty close on all counts. Without photos, it is harder.

Welcome to the forum.

 

[Jim K]

The Pocket Navy was .36 caliber, but they were only five shot.

Jim

 

[BigAl-V92]

Thanks for the info. My camera just won't make a decent close-up but I've tried to attach the best focus I can achieve. I hope it is helpful but either way, I really appreciate your insights.

 

[Clifford]

Sorry I've no information for ya, but I've got to say that's a nice looking pistol!

 

[BigAl-V92]

Thanks Clifford. My uncle passed it to me nearly 50 years ago. I understand its been in the family since Civil War days. I've never attempted to load or shoot it. I was told it wouldn't be safe without changing the cap nipples and I didn't want to compromise the original parts. I guess it will go to my son and grandson one of these days. Nice meeting you.
Al

 

[rmfnla]

Looks like a Colt 1851 Navy to me. Don't shoot it.

 

[StrawHat]

With a Stagecoach scene on the cylinder, it should be 31 caliber. And it will be one of the variations of the 1849 Baby Dragoon revolvers. The originals were made with both 5 and 6 shot cylinders depending on model and when built. With the octagon barrel it does resemble a scaled down version of the 1851 Navy. After 1861 they were brought out in 36 caliber with 5 shot cylinders and either the octagonal barrel or the round barrel styiling of the 1860/61 revolvers.

 

[Old Fuff]

The picture confirms that the information offered in post # 2 is correct. The revolver is a .31 caliber 1849 Pocket Model.

 

[BigAl-V92]

Thanks everyone. I sure appreciate the info.
Al

 

[STG-98]

Nice. Six inch barrel, right?

Quite a few of these were purchased by the US Army to be issued to (or purchased by) junior officers in the ACW.

 

[Jim K]

I would have to question that statement. There were 50 bought by the Navy, but I can find no information on any purchase of the Model 1849 pocket pistol by the U.S.Army for issue to junior officers or anyone else. They were very popular with soldiers and officers on both sides of the Civil War, but those were private purchases (or captures), not issue weapons,

Jim

 

[STG-98]

Yep, I stand corrected.

My information about the 1,000 pistols contracted for delivery to the Army is lost, but what I was able to find probably refers to the .44 Colt Army model.

 

[BigAl-V92]

Hi folks, I just checked back and see a couple of new posts about my old Colt. I remember trying to find info years ago and was told there was a fire in the Colt factory that destroyed alot of the records of pistols from the time mine was made. Anyway, it's really great to get all this feedback about it. I really appreciate it. - Al