Collectors and historians prize original small-frame Colts for their craftsmanship and the stories they carry. This detailed examination highlights a particularly scarce variant that will interest serious collectors and museum curators alike.

COLT 3″ BARREL 1849 POCKET MODEL. Shop this product

Why this 1849 Pocket Model matters

This specimen, serial 171254, falls squarely within the rare 3″ barrel run Robert M. Jordan documents (17030–171800). The most notable attribute is the six shot cylinder on a 3″ barrel — an extremely rare configuration. The cylinder displays an excellent scene and the metal exhibits consistent color and wear, suggesting a well-preserved original finish. The bore is noted as excellent and the action works perfectly, two critical indicators of mechanical integrity for a percussion-era revolver.

Key features and condition details

Inspectors will appreciate the attention to detail recorded: screws are described as very good to excellent with none damaged, and grips are graded very good plus to excellent with no chips or cracks. Of particular interest is the cylinder lacking a number in the serial band; documentation notes this may be original and simply failed to be numbered. The piece is a two-line, 3″ barrel six shot 1849, catalog reference C15462 — a configuration most 1849 collectors likely do not already own. View product details and pricing

Provenance, brand significance, and market positioning

Colt’s small-frame percussion revolvers are historically significant for their role in mid-19th century civilian carry and as finely executed examples of early American mass-produced firearms. While this listing does not specify caliber, the model and documented serial range provide strong provenance. The item is listed at $7500.99 — a price reflective of rarity, condition, and desirability among period collectors.

Buying considerations for collectors

When evaluating an example like this, confirm serial alignment with known production ranges, examine the cylinder and scene for sharpness, check bore condition, and verify screw condition and grip integrity. The lack of a cylinder number should be considered carefully; documentation and expert opinion can confirm originality. Given the piece’s documented attributes and C15462 reference, it represents a meaningful addition to a specialized 1849 collection.

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