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(With apologies to Ms. Spears)
I've been interested in/attracted to the Colt 1849 "pocket pistol" for some time and had asked about its popularity several months ago here - https://civilwartalk.com/threads/why-do-i-want-a-model-1849-colt.198930/
Like the recently purchased Whitney Navy, I didn't set out looking for one but happen to run across one at a price that seemed very reasonable. Despite not being "in the market" for one, I pulled the trigger (pun intended) and bought it. From the pics it seemed to be in pretty good shape for the price, but it wasn't until it arrived that I could see what a gem it seems to be.
As most probably already know, this model was the best selling pistol for Colt with about 340,000 of them being produced from 1847 to 1873. There are many documented varieties, variations, etc. of this popular handgun - I've heard it stated that there are more than 500 varieties but not sure if that's accurate. Regardless, this was a very popular pistol in its time.
This example of the Colt Model 1849 is a 5-shot, .31 caliber pistol with a 4-inch barrel. The serial numbers are all matching including the wedge, cylinder, and cylinder pin. The action functions crisply and the grips retain some of their original varnish. From what I can tell, this example was produced in 1860. What makes it a bit unusual is that is has the 2-line Hartford address.
Although dated, the book Colt's Variations of the Old Model Pocket Pistol 1848 to 1872 by P. L. Shumaker addresses these Hartford 1849s as follows: "According to data which has been compiled over a period of many years, this information would place the time of the 2-line Hartford production at from 1858 to sometime in 1861" and that "fewer that 6,000 were made." "Here is a group of pocket pistols which, by any fair method of measurement, is nearly twice as rare as the presently much-sought-after Baby Dragoons."
Shumaker goes on to hypothesize and provide evidence to support this hypothesis, that the Hartford 1849s were produced by using parts repatriated from London when Colt closed his factory there in 1857. An interesting note: Shumaker had metallurgy tests conducted on numerous 1849s of many models produced here and in London in an attempt to support his hypothesis, thinking the Hartfords would show English steel and thus provide proof. What is interesting is that the tests revealed that ALL the models tested, New Yorks, Londons, and Hartfords were all made of American steel; none used English steel in their construction. He concludes that in order to avoid the possibility of English steel makers sabotaging his efforts in London (he wasn't popular there and the competition he brought to English manufacturers wasn't welcomed), Colt imported his steel billets for pistol fabrication from America, and being the frugal businessman he was, shipped all the unused parts back to America for use in his factory here in 1857.
About the Hartford 1849, Shumaker concludes, "It would probably be well for collectors to remember that, at best, not over 6,000 of these 2-line Hartfords of ALL types were ever produced, and that because the Hartfords were manufactured just prior to and during the early years of the Civil War, it is reasonable to suppose that more of them saw use in and out of the service than many of the other Pocket Model Pistol types mentioned previously. For this reason alone, it is to be expected that many of the 6,000 2-line Hartfords passed out of existence through use and abuse. Undoubtedly this fact has contributed to the scarcity of these varieties, and to the fact that collectors can never expect to find any considerable number of Hartfords. Any specimen you have is to be respected." (I realize there are more modern reference books of this iconic pistol and welcome clarification or more info on the Hartford models as applicable).
Regardless of rarity, I am exceptionally pleased with this example. It is all-matching, functions perfectly, has crisp clear markings, and retains all of its "Stagecoach Robbery" cylinder scene. To my knowledge it's not Confederate, but for a 3-digit price tag I'm happy with it.
Here is my Hartford Colt Model 1849:
I've been interested in/attracted to the Colt 1849 "pocket pistol" for some time and had asked about its popularity several months ago here - https://civilwartalk.com/threads/why-do-i-want-a-model-1849-colt.198930/
Like the recently purchased Whitney Navy, I didn't set out looking for one but happen to run across one at a price that seemed very reasonable. Despite not being "in the market" for one, I pulled the trigger (pun intended) and bought it. From the pics it seemed to be in pretty good shape for the price, but it wasn't until it arrived that I could see what a gem it seems to be.
As most probably already know, this model was the best selling pistol for Colt with about 340,000 of them being produced from 1847 to 1873. There are many documented varieties, variations, etc. of this popular handgun - I've heard it stated that there are more than 500 varieties but not sure if that's accurate. Regardless, this was a very popular pistol in its time.
This example of the Colt Model 1849 is a 5-shot, .31 caliber pistol with a 4-inch barrel. The serial numbers are all matching including the wedge, cylinder, and cylinder pin. The action functions crisply and the grips retain some of their original varnish. From what I can tell, this example was produced in 1860. What makes it a bit unusual is that is has the 2-line Hartford address.
Although dated, the book Colt's Variations of the Old Model Pocket Pistol 1848 to 1872 by P. L. Shumaker addresses these Hartford 1849s as follows: "According to data which has been compiled over a period of many years, this information would place the time of the 2-line Hartford production at from 1858 to sometime in 1861" and that "fewer that 6,000 were made." "Here is a group of pocket pistols which, by any fair method of measurement, is nearly twice as rare as the presently much-sought-after Baby Dragoons."
Shumaker goes on to hypothesize and provide evidence to support this hypothesis, that the Hartford 1849s were produced by using parts repatriated from London when Colt closed his factory there in 1857. An interesting note: Shumaker had metallurgy tests conducted on numerous 1849s of many models produced here and in London in an attempt to support his hypothesis, thinking the Hartfords would show English steel and thus provide proof. What is interesting is that the tests revealed that ALL the models tested, New Yorks, Londons, and Hartfords were all made of American steel; none used English steel in their construction. He concludes that in order to avoid the possibility of English steel makers sabotaging his efforts in London (he wasn't popular there and the competition he brought to English manufacturers wasn't welcomed), Colt imported his steel billets for pistol fabrication from America, and being the frugal businessman he was, shipped all the unused parts back to America for use in his factory here in 1857.
About the Hartford 1849, Shumaker concludes, "It would probably be well for collectors to remember that, at best, not over 6,000 of these 2-line Hartfords of ALL types were ever produced, and that because the Hartfords were manufactured just prior to and during the early years of the Civil War, it is reasonable to suppose that more of them saw use in and out of the service than many of the other Pocket Model Pistol types mentioned previously. For this reason alone, it is to be expected that many of the 6,000 2-line Hartfords passed out of existence through use and abuse. Undoubtedly this fact has contributed to the scarcity of these varieties, and to the fact that collectors can never expect to find any considerable number of Hartfords. Any specimen you have is to be respected." (I realize there are more modern reference books of this iconic pistol and welcome clarification or more info on the Hartford models as applicable).
Regardless of rarity, I am exceptionally pleased with this example. It is all-matching, functions perfectly, has crisp clear markings, and retains all of its "Stagecoach Robbery" cylinder scene. To my knowledge it's not Confederate, but for a 3-digit price tag I'm happy with it.
Here is my Hartford Colt Model 1849:
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... I just checked my '49s, and one of them is a close sister to yours, also in the 176XXX range
. It also has the two line Hartford address. I never gave the address line any thought whatsoever, so your post about that is new and interesting information for me. Is there any way to quantify how much more valuable this version is? 5%, 10%, 20%, more?
Bringing the