Col Sam Colt

[Skinny 1950]

I just got a 1849 model Pocket Colt today and it's Ser# dates it to 1861 the same year that Samual Colt was commissioned as a colonel by the state of Connecticut May 16, 1861 and discharged June 20, 1861.
Prior to that he called himself Colonel Sam Colt without actually being one.
Can someone tell me if Colts were marked Col. Sam Colt prior to 1861???
Here are the markings on the top of the barrel of my gun. Thanks

 

[QM 8687]

Good question. 1851-1856 Navy Colts London factory did.(Perhaps to help foreign sales) Early 1860 Army's did too. The book "Colt American Legend" is vague on various barrel roll address dates.