Colt Model 1849, Question re Serial Number - The Firearms Forum

joepett · 10-16-2009, 06:08 PM

Hi,

I have a Colt Model 1849 Pocket revolver with the serial number 122844. Directly centered under this number is the digit "8" on all parts. Does anyone have any idea what the "8" indicates?

Best,
Joe

TRAP55 · 10-17-2009, 01:13 PM

Joe, contact Ives Devos here: http://www.wildwesttreasures.org/about.php
He is the worlds leading authority on the 1849 Colt Pocket Model.

joepett · 10-21-2009, 03:10 PM

Thanks very much. I did contact Ives and he was very gracious in attempting to answer my question. Over the years, Ives has owned or handled several examples of Model 1849s with an 8 under the serial number but has not yet seen period documentation or heard a reasonable explanation that explains the extra digit. In short, the reason for the 8 remains to be determined.

Alpo · 10-21-2009, 07:14 PM

Well, I, for one, appreciate you getting back to us with the answer. Even though the answer is, "Nobody knows".

TRAP55 · 10-21-2009, 07:59 PM

If Ives doesn't know, I doubt you'll find someone that does.
I think at one time he had over 350 in his collection. As he was appraising mine taking it apart, he was telling me how he had cataloged 175 variations. He stopped in mid sentence, and said "hmmm.....176 now". The cylinder had some kind of factory cut under the nipples.
Interesting guy to talk to, he comes to the states 4 or 5 times a year buying guns from the old west for collectors in Europe. I see him up at the Big Reno Show in the spring and fall.

10-16-2009, 06:08 PM	#1
joepett Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 4	Colt Model 1849, Question re Serial Number Hi, I have a Colt Model 1849 Pocket revolver with the serial number 122844. Directly centered under this number is the digit "8" on all parts. Does anyone have any idea what the "8" indicates? Best, Joe -->

10-17-2009, 01:13 PM	#2
TRAP55 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Occupied Territory Of Kalifornia Posts: 1,834	Re: Colt Model 1849, Question re Serial Number Joe, contact Ives Devos here: http://www.wildwesttreasures.org/about.php He is the worlds leading authority on the 1849 Colt Pocket Model. __________________ Aim small...Miss small www.mausercentral.com/forum

10-21-2009, 03:10 PM	#3
joepett Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 4	Re: Colt Model 1849, Question re Serial Number Thanks very much. I did contact Ives and he was very gracious in attempting to answer my question. Over the years, Ives has owned or handled several examples of Model 1849s with an 8 under the serial number but has not yet seen period documentation or heard a reasonable explanation that explains the extra digit. In short, the reason for the 8 remains to be determined.

10-21-2009, 07:14 PM	#4
Alpo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NW Florida Posts: 8,662	Re: Colt Model 1849, Question re Serial Number Well, I, for one, appreciate you getting back to us with the answer. Even though the answer is, "Nobody knows". __________________ Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy, and taste good with catsup - George of Lod, Year of Our Lord 297 I always take precautions. Beware the Evil Bullet Fairies.

10-21-2009, 07:59 PM	#5
TRAP55 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Occupied Territory Of Kalifornia Posts: 1,834	Re: Colt Model 1849, Question re Serial Number If Ives doesn't know, I doubt you'll find someone that does. I think at one time he had over 350 in his collection. As he was appraising mine taking it apart, he was telling me how he had cataloged 175 variations. He stopped in mid sentence, and said "hmmm.....176 now". The cylinder had some kind of factory cut under the nipples. Interesting guy to talk to, he comes to the states 4 or 5 times a year buying guns from the old west for collectors in Europe. I see him up at the Big Reno Show in the spring and fall. __________________ Aim small...Miss small www.mausercentral.com/forum