The included factory letter lists this Colt 1849 pocket revolver (does not specify London) by serial number 10517, with 6 inch barrel, ,31 caliber, blue finish and wood grip, as shipped to W. J. Syms & Brothers of New York, New York on May 6, 1861 as part of a 20 gun shipment, right during the beginning of the American Civil War. This example has the two-line "{ADDRESS COL. COLT/LONDON}" marking on top of the barrel, and is an anomaly in that it does not have British proof marks on the barrel or cylinder. The Colt London factory was closed after 1856, and the absence of British proof marks on this example indicates it was likely subsequently assembled at the Colt Hartford factory, with Colt London Model 1849 Pocket revolvers typically seen in their own separate approximate 1-11000 serial range and this example being a late number in the London range. While the Model 1849 Pocket was the most popular of all of Colt's revolvers in the United States in the 19th century, this model was produced and sold in more limited numbers from Colt's London factory; only around 11,000 Model 1849 Pocket revolvers were manufactured between 1853-1856 in London compared to around 42,000 of the London Model 1851 Navy revolvers. The London Model 1849 Pockets are thus considerably rarer than the Hartford manufactured Pocket revolvers, of which there were approximately 340,000 manufactured, per "Flayderman's Guide" (9th Edition). “COLTS/PATENT” on the left of the frame, and the cylinder has the roll-engraved stagecoach holdup scene and is marked “COLTS PATENT/No. 10517”. The top of the barrel has a period non-factory installed dovetail mounted German silver blade front sight and dovetail mounted notch rear sight. Matching full and partial visible serial numbers on the loading lever, barrel, frame, trigger guard, back strap, cylinder, cylinder arbor pin and wedge. Period name "J.T. Cog" carved on the iron butt, and what appears to be a "K" and a diamond carved on the left butt section of the walnut grip. Includes a mahogany case with red felt lined fitted interior, a ball/bullet mold marked "31 PKT" on the side and "COLT'S/PATENT" on the sprue cutter, a blued L-shaped combination tool, R. Walker cap tin, oiler, some lead balls/bullets, key, and a bag shaped James Dixon & Sons Sheffield powder flask.

Fine, retains 70% original blue finish on the barrel, cylinder is period refinished, 40% original case colors on the frame, traces of original blue finish around the edges of the trigger guard, scattered light spotting/oxidation, a few small minor dings on the right around the wedge, and absolutely sharp markings and cylinder scene. Grip is also fine with some minor outer finish wear along the lower edges, and scattered light scratches. Mechanically excellent. Case is very good as sanded and revarnished, with a reglued large crack visible on the lid, and some light age related wear on the interior.