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Hightly Desirable Colt Wells Fargo Model 1849 Pocket Revolver with Inscribed Backstrap

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1,400.00 USD Estimated At:3,500.00 - 6,500.00 USD
Hightly Desirable Colt Wells Fargo Model 1849 Pocket Revolver with Inscribed Backstrap
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Estimate: $3500 - 6500
Colt Model 1849 Pocket Revolver manufactured in 1858. This revolver has the distinctive octagon barrel with no provision for a loading lever and is in the correct 140000 serial number block for "Wells Fargo Model" 1849 Pocket Revolvers. The backstrap is inscribed "Chas. H. Milligan" in script letters. The barrel and five-shot cylinder have the Colt high polish blue finish. The frame and hammer are color casehardened and the brass trigger guard and backstrap are silver plated. The one piece grip is walnut with a high polish varnish finish. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the two-line legend "{ADDRESS SAML COLT/NEW YORK CITY}". The cylinder is roll-engraved with the Stagecoach Holdup scene and "COLTS PATENT". "COLTS/PATENT" is roll-stamped in two lines on the left side of the frame. The full serial number "140069" is stamped on the bottom of the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard and backstrap and on the side of the cylinder. The wedge is stamped with the partial serial number "40069" and the cylinder pin is numbered "0069". All of the visible serial numbers match. The Wells Fargo Model is a desirable and highly sought after variation of the Colt Model 1849 Pocket Revolver.
BBL: 3 inch octagon
Stock:
Gauge: 31 percussion
Finish: blue/case-hardened
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 140069
Condition: Fine. The revolver is all original and retains 40% of the blue and 20% casehardened finish. The surface of the barrel has a number of light dents and scratches and the edges of the lug are flash pitted. The cylinder retains nearly all of the Stagecoach Holdup scene. The frame and hammer retains traces of the casehardened finish. There is moderate flash pitting on the sides of the hammer. The brass trigger guard and backstrap have about 30% of the silver plated finish. The grip is good with moderate handling wear and retains about 30% of the original varnish finish. The inscription is period but no details of Charles Mulligan's identity are included with the revolver.