VERY RARE 2-TONE FINISH COLT MODEL 1849 WELLS FARGO POCKET PERCUSSION REVOLVER.

VERY RARE 2-TONE FINISH COLT MODEL 1849 WELLS FARGO POCKET PERCUSSION REVOLVER. SN 109285. Cal. 31. Rare 2-tone blue & silver finish with blued 3″ oct bbl, made without rammer and has 2-line New York City address with serifs. Bottom of lug radius is stamped with a small “P” which indicates extra polish or plating or both. Frame, cyl & hammer are the very rare silver plated versions with “COLTS PATENT” on left side of frame. Small guard silver plated brass trigger guard & back strap contain a 1-pc walnut grip with last four digits of SN in back strap channel. Serial number on trigger guard & back strap also have a small dot and there is a tiny “8” also below the SN on frame & trigger guard. This is an early version of the Wells Fargo model with long frame and small brass trigger guard. According to Colt’s Pocket ’49, Jordan & Watt, the “8” below the SN “could be used in place of an inspector initial, or it could be an assembly line or bench number where Wells Fargos were handled.” The book estimates that there were only about 2,000 Wells Fargo revolvers produced with the “8” below the serial number of the approx. 357,000 Model 49 Pocket Revolvers produced. These little revolvers, produced in limited numbers are rarely found with special order features such as the silver plating on frame & cylinder of this revolver. PROVENANCE: Dr. Robert A. Bettis Collection. CONDITION: Very good, all matching including wedge & grip. Bbl retains an overall smooth blue/brown patina with stronger blue in sheltered areas. Frame retains most of its silver finish mixed with gray patina. Cylinder is an overall gray patina with traces of silver finish on front face and retains 70-75% stagecoach holdup scene with a small series of dents in one area. Trigger guard & back strap retain most of their orig silver plating with light sharp edge wear and wear on heel. Grip is sound with light nicks, dings & scratches and a bruise on left side and overall retains 96-97% strong orig varnish. Mechanics are fine, strong sharp bore with good shine and a few scattered spots of light pitting. 4-39311 JR159 (3,500-5,000)

Auction: Firearms - Spring 2010

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	2252	$2,875.00	VERY RARE 2-TONE FINISH COLT MODEL 1849 WELLS FARGO POCKET PERCUSSION REVOLVER. SN 109285. Cal. 31. Rare 2-tone blue & silver finish with blued 3″ oct bbl, made without rammer and has 2-line New York City address with serifs. Bottom of lug radius is stamped with a small “P” which indicates extra polish or plating or both. Frame, cyl & hammer are the very rare silver plated versions with “COLTS PATENT” on left side of frame. Small guard silver plated brass trigger guard & back strap contain a 1-pc walnut grip with last four digits of SN in back strap channel. Serial number on trigger guard & back strap also have a small dot and there is a tiny “8” also below the SN on frame & trigger guard. This is an early version of the Wells Fargo model with long frame and small brass trigger guard. According to Colt’s Pocket ’49, Jordan & Watt, the “8” below the SN “could be used in place of an inspector initial, or it could be an assembly line or bench number where Wells Fargos were handled.” The book estimates that there were only about 2,000 Wells Fargo revolvers produced with the “8” below the serial number of the approx. 357,000 Model 49 Pocket Revolvers produced. These little revolvers, produced in limited numbers are rarely found with special order features such as the silver plating on frame & cylinder of this revolver. PROVENANCE: Dr. Robert A. Bettis Collection. CONDITION: Very good, all matching including wedge & grip. Bbl retains an overall smooth blue/brown patina with stronger blue in sheltered areas. Frame retains most of its silver finish mixed with gray patina. Cylinder is an overall gray patina with traces of silver finish on front face and retains 70-75% stagecoach holdup scene with a small series of dents in one area. Trigger guard & back strap retain most of their orig silver plating with light sharp edge wear and wear on heel. Grip is sound with light nicks, dings & scratches and a bruise on left side and overall retains 96-97% strong orig varnish. Mechanics are fine, strong sharp bore with good shine and a few scattered spots of light pitting. 4-39311 JR159 (3,500-5,000) Auction: Firearms - Spring 2010 Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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