Winchester Repeating Arms Company. Herb Houze
version of the Model 1851 Navy. The 1849’s serial numbering continued that of its predecessor (with some overlap), beginning at about 12000 and continuing through about 340000. Three basic barrel markings were employed (on U.S. made specimens); and their progression is one means of classification for the Model 1849. Their serial ranges are: ADDRESS SAML COLT/NEW-YORK CITY (14400 through c. 187000; two variations in marking known); ADDRESS SAML COLT/HARTFORD CT. (164000 to about 206000); and ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA, known as the “one line New York” (187000 to about 340000). Rarely encountered is: ADDRESS.COL: COLT./LONDON, found in high serial ranges. As to be expected, some overlapping of marking does appear from one serial range to another. Standard throughout production was the COLTS/PATENT stamping on the left side of the frame. Also standard was the stagecoach holdup roll design on the cylinder. The London made pistols are in a category by themselves.
More Model 1849 Pocket pistols were produced than any other Colt percussion firearm. With 23 years of steady production this model underwent a great many changes, hence numerous variations are encountered. Some are highly significant for the collector (and most are so noted here) while others are interesting or curious but will rarely or significantly alter basic values. A fairly complete collection of the Model 1849 would require at least 200 revolvers. Recommended sources for all variations are Shumaker’s Colt’s Variations of the Old Model Pocket Pistol and the very recent, highly detailed Jordan & Watts Colt’s Pocket ’49. Among those details considered are markings, types of trigger guards, loading cutouts, loading lever latches, sights, hammers, finishes, engraving, etc. An alleged variant that rears its ugly head occasionally is the so-called M. 1849 with “dragoon type barrel” (part round/octagon). A few are known as far back as the 1930s; some thought to have been altered in jest to tease a fellow collector (in an era when the gun had but slight value). In the interim such pieces have even acquired some genuine aging. Regardless of fact that specimens appear in the Belden & Haven book and the famous collection exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1942 Catalog, the consensus of expert opinion is that no such variant was made. (The author exposed that 1942 fake in his own 1981 catalog.)
Standard model, in 4", 5", or 6" barrel (the latter often tend to bring a premium), with attached loading lever, and small brass trigger guard:
| 5B-042 | Values—Good $550 | Fine $1,250 |
Same as above, with large brass trigger guard:
5B-043
| 5B-043 | Values—Good $475 | Fine $1,150 |
Standard model, in 4", 5", or 6" barrel, with attached loading lever, and with steel gripstraps:
| 5B-044 | Values—Good $575 | Fine $2,000 |
Same as above with ADDRESS-SAM’L COLT/HARTFORD CT.Large brass trigger guards and five-shot cylinders most commonly encountered (six-shot cylinders worth premium). Specimens with large iron trigger guards rare and worth premium:
| 5B-045 | Values—Good $600 | Fine $1,750 |
Crowned Muzzle Variation of Model 1849. One-line New York address; found within serial range 331, 600 to 322,993. Muzzles of the octagon barrels have been neatly rounded (i.e. “crowned”) in attempt to protect the bore at that critical point while equally protecting the holster from the usual sharp edges of the muzzle as the gun is inserted or withdrawn. All those thus far recorded had 5-shot cylinders and 4" barrels.
| 5B-045.2 | Values—Good $750 | Fine $2,250 |
Martially marked Model 1849; 50 purchased by U.S. Navy 1861. Few authentic specimens observed in 203000-204000 serial range with two line Hartford address, large brass trigger guard. Markings vary slightly; include anchor at top of barrel near breech, inspector marks P/GG on outside wall of cylinder, block letters USN at top of brass backstrap and U.D.C. (Union Defense Committee) on underside of butt:
| 5B-045.5 | Values—Good $6,000 | Fine $20,000 |
Same as above with two line LONDON barrel marking, but without British proofs and serial number in the high Hartford production range (above 143,000). Rare:
| 5B-046 | Values—Good $575 | Fine $2,500 |
So-called “Wells Fargo” model; made without loading lever; 3" octagon barrel with breech extension and long frame (both as standard on all M. 1849’s); small rounded trigger guard. Quantity approx. 4,000. Specimens appear mixed in with serial range 15,000 to 164,000. Origin of terminology obscure; no known affiliation with Wells Fargo so exercise caution should such markings be seen (spurious examples known).
A few variants of this scarce model are worth premiums: (A) early production with short frame and short barrel extension as on “Baby Dragoon”. (B) 4" barrel; serial range 14-15,000. Very rare. (C) large brass trigger guard; quantity approx. 1,250. (D) small steel guard in serial range 147,000; quantity approx. 75. (E) large steel guard; quantity approx. 175:
5B-047
| 5B-047 | Values—Good $1,000 | Fine $6,500 |
London-made pistols, identified by their own serial range (1 through 11,000) are basically the same as Colt’s contemporary Hartford production (1853-57). Quality of the London pistols was superior to that of Hartford. Usual markings ADDRESS COL: COLT./LONDON.
Early London made; Serial numbers under 1000. Most with brass gripstraps and small rounded trigger guard. Variations noted. Earliest specimens (serial range, 1 - 265 with one line hand engraved markings COL. COLT. LONDONor SAM COLT. LONDON rare and worth premium:
| 5B-048 | Values—Good $525 | Fine $1,400 |
Later London-made; steel gripstraps and large oval trigger guard. Three variations noted among this group:
| 5B-049 | Values—Good $500 | Fine $1,250 |
Colt Model 1851 Navy Revolver
Model 1851 Navy Revolver. Brought out in 1850 and manufactured through 1873; 215,348 of this model were made in Hartford. By December 1865, the year the Civil War ended, serial numbers of the Model 1851 had reached