^Lot 2331 EARLY, SECOND VARIATION, COLT LONDON MODEL 1849

POCKET MODEL SINGLE ACTION PERCUSSION REVOLVER. Cal. 31. S# 917x. Bbl. 5". Model 1849 Pocket single action percussion revolver produced by Colt in London, England. Top flat of the octagonal bbl. is marked "ADDRESS. COL. COL/ LONDON.", with x2 British commercial proofs marked on the left, which are repeated along the rear edge of the cyl. Left side of frame is marked "COLTS PATENT". Cyl. is roll engraved with Colt's stagecoach hold up scene. Rnd. brass trigger guard and brass rear grip strap with 1-piece plain wood grip. Bbl. was at one time cut with 2 dovetails for sights, which are now fitted with dovetail blanks. All serialized parts are matching via "917/ x" (the meaning of "x" not definitively known), and include the frame, trigger guard, rear grip strap, cyl., cyl. base pin (minus "x" suffix), bbl., bbl. wedge, as well as the loading lever. CONDITION: metal components have been cleaned, exhibiting some scattered spots of light pitting and age related discoloration, as well as some striations from aforementioned cleaning. Trigger guard and rear grip strap have faded to a pleasing mellow patina. Bore is mostly bright, exhibiting scattered spots of light to mild pitting, while retaining well defined rifling throughout. Proper manual mechanics, with tight lock up. Grip shows scattered superficial marks and small impressions from handling and storage, but otherwise remains sound. PROVENANCE: Estate Collection of William Pirie Co-Author of "Variations of Colt's New Model Police & Pocket Breech Loading Pistols". (01-29246/MLW). ANTIQUE. $600-900.