Colt 1849 pocket... Info and value?

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A.moore

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Hi everybody,

I'm new to this web site. So please excuse any blunders...

Due to a death in the family I inherited a cased colt 1849 pocket. It seems to be in .31 cal. I know nothing about these guns and would like to know more....

I'm also wondering about value... I've googled around and there is a HUGE price range. Like from one to fifty thousand...

I can't post pictures. I don't know why but if somebody wants them emailed I can do that.

Thank you,
A. Moore
 
Unless it's an original, made prior to 1898 - then it is exempt from the registration requirements. If it's post-'98 but pre-1945 (or 46?) and being inherited from a mother/father or spouse (check the regs on that, this info is intended to give you an idea only) then it may qualify you to obtain a 12.7 endorsement and you (or a prescribed relative) could then inherit it.

There is a sticky on this forum you should review regarding antique status & what that means
 
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It has a five inch barrel. So, if it is in fact .31 and a cap and ball, muzzle loader to boot, why in necks name would it be prohibited?

I'm confused and don't understand or gun laws...
 
That is exactly what I said above.

Not prohib if it is defined as an antique - check out the sticky in the forum :)

Here this will tell you whether or not it is an antique:

http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/foru...ntique-Firearm-Status-Determination-Flowchart

Lots of other info in the stickies as well.

If it is NOT an antique then with a FIVE inch barrel & a C&B you are RIGHT it would not be prohib it would be restricted; I was assuming it had a 4" bbl
 
I just found a web site called proof house. According to them it was made in 1856. I'm sure that makes it an antique.
 
Without a doubt. No need to register. Just keep your documentation proving the antique status (again, check out teh stickies here in this forum)

Pics? Those pocket revolvers are neat. For hammering down a value the knowledgeable folks here will need 'em.

To post pics:

Just go here (there are others but this is quick as any):

h ttp://imgur.com/

click browse/upload and just copy the full link from "message boards and forums" (you'll see it) and paste into your post

Good luck, looking forward to seeing it
 
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No worries. I'm not that concerned about price. It's a family heirloom. Mind you, if I could be driving it...

How hard are they to get shooting again? I know nothing about black powder.
 
Not difficult if the action is tight and the timing is good (meaning that the chambers all align correctly with the barrel. If unsure please have a gunsmith check it out - give the cylinder a wiggle on each chamber; a "little" wobble is normal but if it tries to advance or goes "too far" back and forth (endplay) you will have a problem. Hard to describe, if you have a modern revolver you can compare that would be good); I have an antique here that will over-rotate on one chamber which is dangerous if it were to be fired when it wasn't lined up with the barrel but as I say some slop is unavoidable. I have "some" play even in my factory new GP100.

You also want to carefully inspect the cyliner for corrosion and make sure there aren't any pits that thin them out too much (from the photos it looks pretty good but really beyond a photo to say); and CHECK the nipples for corrosion also, ensure they are all snug and that the percussion caps fit tight.

When loading them use 3F Goex and ensure that the ball is tight on the powder (no air space) - many folks do put a cardboard wad, then lube & another card OR a lubed felt wad between teh bullet & the powder; regardless you do need to use lube on the ends of the cylinders to both reduce fouling & prevent a chainfire.

Clean up is simple hot water & detergent, although lots of folks have their own methods. That has worked for me for 25 years and I'm happy with it but your mileage may vary. Dry & oil right away. Personally if it isn'[t going to be stored more than a month or more I lube it with olive oil - AVOID petroleum based lubes at least before you shoot (clean any petroleum based stuff out & re-lube with olive oil or a non-petroluem based lube before you shoot). The BP does not like it and reacts to form a heavy tar; accuracy does suffer and it is probably not good for the bore or the action.

Others will have input as well on the above.
 
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To put a value on your gun check that all the serial numbers match on the barrel,frame,back-strap,wedge and cylinder,over all condition including the bore and chambers.
Is the case complete with the original accessories and was it original to the gun when new??
Is it a five shot or six shot gun??
Looks to be a 5 inch barrel.
 
Skinny 1950 said:
To put a value on your gun check that all the serial numbers match on the barrel,frame,back-strap,wedge and cylinder,over all condition including the bore and chambers.
Is the case complete with the original accessories and was it original to the gun when new??
Is it a five shot or six shot gun??
Looks to be a 5 inch barrel.
Click to expand...

All numbers match.
I would guess its in good-very good condion (NRA standards).
5 shot cylinder.
The case has a bullet mould, tin of primers and a little powder pouring thing.
The case itself is in pretty good shape but the liner has seen better days.

Thanks for all the help guys!
 
A.moore.

I am sure that many will disagree with me.

Back in the early 70s my Father and I shot the two revolvers shown below, I cringe when I think about it now.
These are original guns and I am sure original blueing was lost in the process.

58RemingtonandStarrDA_zps76f3fe28.jpg

DSC00090.jpg

DSC00014.jpg

StarrDADSC00131.jpg


In my mind the reproduction versions are meant for shooting not the old guys.

I guess I should further qualify my answer....it all depends on the condition of the gun and the degree of remaining original finish.

I would probably shoot this 60 Army.....if I was inclined to shoot an original Model 1860.

DSC01021.jpg


I would not shoot this one.

DSC04430.jpg


The 49 Colt that is shown above manufactured in 1855 is in pretty decent condition ....lots of silvering remains with excellent grips and a very crisp cylinder scene.
Snsontriggerguardstrapsilvering1849.jpg

1849ColtPocketBarrelAddressandcylin.jpg

1849ColtPocketoutsidesession017.jpg


5 inch barrel....manufactured in 1855.
Model1849manufacturedin1855_zps210943c4.jpg


I have a Colt .31 cal bullet mould but my 49 Colt is not cased.
DSC03581_zps24c22d76.jpg

DSC03594_zpse80a00d8.jpg


Your gun is cased.
I don't know if the case and accessories are original to the pistol, but that sets it apart from just a gun by itself.

Better photos of your gun, case and accessories would be helpful in determining condition.

If you are dead set on shooting it ....by all means do it.
If you have other guns that you enjoy shooting that would be my suggestion.
These old guns have paid their dues and have survived in the condition that we find them in....I personally will not shoot any of my old guys.....just my opinion.

David
 
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