^Lot 5051 SCARCE THUER CARTRIDGE CONVERSION COLT MODEL 1849

REVOLVER. Cal. 32. S# 311234. This is the most difficult of Colt factory conversions to find as it was the first Colt attempt at cartridge alterations and elaborate. This is a very good complete example, standard configuration 4" octagonal barrel, one line NY US AMERICA address, "COLTS/PATENT" on the left side of the frame, "31 CAL" stamped on left side of the trigger guard, 6-shot cylinder with rolled Stagecoach holdup scene. The Thuer conversion added breech plate to back of cut percussion cylinder with integral firing pin, "PAT. SEP. / 15. 1869" stamped on left side, and script "E" right of hammer. The hammer face is not changed, and a percussion cylinder could be substituted if wanted. CONDITION: very good, complete & original, metal overall gray/brown patina with strong traces of blue, matching S#s throughout including cylinder, matching assembly "F" & ""6" on back of cylinder and Thuer patent breech plate. Grips retain 95% of their factory varnish. Mechanics crisp, good rifled bore. PROVENANCE: Estate Collection of William Pirie Co-Author of "Variations of Colt's New Model Police & Pocket Breech Loading Pistols". (01-29262/JS). ANTIQUE. $2,000-3,000.