GUN SPRING 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/14/2016
RARE COLT MODEL 1849 POCKET THUER CONVERSION REVOLVER. COLT 1849 PKT THUER CONV 310432 31 CAL Cal 31 Thuer. Usual configuration with 4" oct bbl, brass pin front sight and 1-line New-York US America address. Left side of frame is marked with a small "COLTS PATENT" and left shoulder trigger guard is marked 31 cal. The silver-plated brass trigger guard and backstrap contain a varnished 1-pc walnut grip with the last 4 digits of SN in the backstrap channel. Cyl is matching numbered and typical Thuer conversion with assembly #33 on both cyl & conversion ring. The loading groove on the bbl lug has been extended and the rammer has been threaded for a Thuer loading tool. There were only about 5000 revolvers in total manufactured in several different models with the Model 1849 being one of the more scarce. These revolvers were produced in the period 1869-1872. This was Colt''s first foray into converting percussion revolvers into self contained cartridge configuration. In order to circumvent the Rollin White patent Colt used this odd tapered front loading cartridge with moderate success. They remained in service into the 1870''s until supplanted by more successful center fire revolvers. PROVENANCE: The Estate of G. W. "Bill" Stewart of Sonora, Texas. CONDITION: Very good to fine, all matching except rammer handle which is properly un-numbered. Bbl retains traces of orig blue being mostly a blue/gray patina with the rammer and handle retaining traces of case colors. Sides of the frame show traces of smokey case colors being an overall gray patina. Cyl is a matching gray patina and shows about 30% Stagecoach hold-up scene roll marking. Trigger guard & backstrap are a medium mustard patina. Grip has a fine crack on the left side with a few minor nicks & dings and retains most of an old restored finish. Strong bright bore with scattered pitting. 49973-228 JR5 (5,000-8,000)