Rare cased, .31 calibre, five-shot, Colt “Wells Fargo” Model 1849 Pocket percussion revolver s/n 117258, manufactured circa 1856 with the long frame and three inch barrel, without a loading lever.

The five-shot cylinder has the roll design of the stagecoach holdup scene.  It has a three inch octagonal barrel without a loading lever, which bears the address, reading from muzzle to breech ‘ADDRESS SAML COLT/NEW-YORK CITY’ with finials at either end. The frame is stamped on the left side with ‘COLTS/PATENT’. There is a number “8” under some of the serial numbers. This is an in inspectors number that is present on many “Wells Fargo’s”. All numbers are matching, including the wedge. It has a silver-plated brass back-strap and small rounded silver-plated brass trigger-guard and is complimented with one-piece varnished walnut grips.

Patina finish to barrel and frame, with some silver-plating to back-strap and trigger-guard. Good action and good working order.

For in-depth reference on the Colt Baby Dragoon revolvers see ‘Colt’s Pocket ’49, it’s Evolution, including the Baby Dragoon & Wells Fargo’ by Robert M. Jordan & Darrow M. Watt.