Late-Production Colt Model 1848 Pocket Baby Dragoon

Description

9/30/24 - The Colt Pocket Model of 1848, known affectionately to collectors as the Baby Dragoon was the genesis of what would become the most successful of all of Colt’s percussion revolvers, the 1849 Pocket Model. The 1848 Pocket Model went into production in Hartford sometime in 1847 and by the middle of 1850 had been completely supplanted by its successor the 1849 Pocket Model. During its roughly three-year production run, approximately 14,000 of the diminutive revolvers were produced, and a careful eye can clearly see the evolution from the “Baby Dragoon” configuration to the 1849 Pocket Model. Samuel Colt had paid attention to the feedback that he received from his customers and users of his revolvers, and once the Hartford facility was up and running in 1847, producing his “Whitneyville Hartford Dragoon” Model, he quickly turned his attention to getting a pocket-sized pistol into production for civilian sale. In the serial number ranges of about 11,000 to 15,500 a number of odd variations begin to appear, as old parts were used up, new features were added, and the final form of the M-1849 Pocket began to appear. Somewhere around serial number 12,000 a new barrel design with an integral loading lever began to appear on some Baby Dragoons. This particular example is unique because it has a fairly late serial number (12364) and was made toward the end of production (1850) but still has early Baby Dragoon features (none of the transitional M1849 Pocket Model features). It is completely matching and in fair condition for its age. The cylinder is mostly worn (about 15% visibility). There is no major damage or major pitting in the metal. Honest "attic patina" throughout. The gold-coloring on the back strap and trigger is mostly worn. The bore has pretty good rifling, but there is light spotty surface oxidation throughout. Fully functional. No FFL required.