Colt MARKED Revolver: Antique .31 Caliber with Historic Provenance

Antique revolvers occupy a special place where craftsmanship, history, and function meet. Whether you are a collector, a museum curator, or a historically minded shooter, understanding the details that make a firearm notable is critical when evaluating provenance and condition.

COLT 1849 POCKET AUSTRALIAN RETAILER MARKED

Why this Colt 1849 Pocket stands out

This particular COLT 1849 POCKET AUSTRALIAN RETAILER MARKED is a fine example of mid-19th century small-frame revolver design and collector interest. Serial #261404 ties the gun to Colt production records, while several physical details—British proofs on the cylinder and barrel, a one-piece walnut grip stamped with an oval gunsmith mark, and the documented photograph in “Colts Pocket 49: Its Evolution”—establish provenance and narrative value that go beyond mere functionality.

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Detailed condition and features

Barrel, bore, and finish

The revolver sports a 6″ octagon barrel with an “about very good” bore that still shows clear rifling despite minor oxidation and scattered light pitting. The barrel retains approximately 95% very nice restored blue from the period of use, a strong indicator of careful past maintenance and an attractive appearance for displays.

Case-hardening and metalwork

The loading lever retains excellent color case-hardening and may be original, while the frame shows about 80% original case colors. The cylinder presents a deep dull blue-gray and plum brown patina with minor oxidation but retains the full stagecoach holdup scene—a decorative relief that collectors prize for authenticity. The hammer rest pins remain partially intact, and the “Colts Patent” marking is present though slightly light; bold serial numbers help confirm the gun’s identity.

Silver plate, backstrap, and grips

The trigger guard retains roughly 92% of its original silver plate. The backstrap has developed a dull goldenrod patina with good silver visible on the butt and knuckle top. The one-piece walnut grip rates very good plus to near excellent, with only minor dings and handling marks and nearly all original varnish preserved, showing only edge wear at the butt.

Provenance: B. Pedrotta and Australian retail history

The butt is stamped with an oval one-piece stamp reading “B. Pedrotta/Gunsmith/Bathurst.” Bartholomeo Pedrotta operated in Bathurst, New South Wales, from the late 1850s into the 1880s, and his mark provides strong regional provenance. Matching numbers are found on the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard, backstrap, arbor and wedge, while the cylinder and loading lever are numbered to a different gun—leaving open whether Pedrotta performed gunsmithing work on this piece or acted primarily as a retailer. These details make the gun especially interesting to collectors focused on colonial trade routes and gunsmith retail practices.

Technical note: .31 caliber context and utility

The COLT 1849 POCKET AUSTRALIAN RETAILER MARKED is chambered in .31 caliber, a common choice for pocket revolvers of the era. Historically, .31 caliber offered a compact balance between concealability and stopping power for personal defense in civilian contexts. For collectors and reenactors, the caliber is notable because it reflects mid-19th century cartridge and ballistics expectations—useful for historically accurate demonstrations and inert-display rounds.

Collector considerations and valuation

At a listed price of $3,500.99, this piece sits in a market range for well-documented, historically marked Colt pocket revolvers in very good condition. Factors supporting this valuation include the high percentage of original or period-restored blued finish on the barrel, the excellent loading lever case-hardening, the largely intact silver-plated trigger guard, the well-preserved walnut grip, and the documented B. Pedrotta retailer stamp. The presence of British proofs and a published photo in a recognized reference work further enhance comparability and market confidence.

Those considering acquisition should weigh the partial mismatch of numbers on the cylinder and loading lever against the strong matching set of other critical parts; such historical repairs and part swaps were common and can carry their own story value.

How to evaluate and display this revolver

Inspection checklist

When examining a period revolver like this, verify serial numbers on the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard, backstrap, arbor and wedge. Inspect the bore for rifling and pitting as described, assess the degree of original case-hardening and silver plate, and confirm the gunsmith retailer stamp. Provenance documentation—photographs, references in literature, and clear photographs—adds measurable value.

Safe storage and display

For museums and private collectors, controlled humidity and low light exposure preserve bores, finishes, and wood varnish. Use non-reactive stands and avoid direct contact between metal and acidic materials. If the revolver will be handled for demonstration, use inert practice rounds and follow strict safety protocols.

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Final thoughts for collectors and enthusiasts

For those who value documented history and original condition, this COLT 1849 POCKET AUSTRALIAN RETAILER MARKED offers a compelling mix of visual appeal, documented provenance, and the kind of period-correct details that define meaningful collections. Whether mounted in a study, shown in a historical exhibit, or preserved as an investment, its combination of markings, finish percentages, and the Pedrotta retailer stamp make it a conversation-starting acquisition.

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People Also Ask

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