Help identify old colt 5 shot revolver?

altecgb

A friend at work just inherited two pistols. One of them is an older H&R revolver an the other is a colt. I was thinking it might be a dragoon but the pictures don't match up? Any thoughts on what this is and or the value of it? Safe to shoot?

colt 5 shot, 5 inch octagon barrel
horse and carriage artwork on cylinder.
Serial Number: 177078

Hawk Carse

I am not a Colt collector, but it is obvious this is a Colt 1849 Pocket Revolver, caliber .31; Proofhouse.com says made in 1860. The "horse and carriage artwork" is commonly known as the Stagecoach Holdup Scene.

Is it safe to shoot? I don't know. There is not a nipple visible in the cylinder recess on this side. Lost out, blown out, or taken out for display? Who knows?
Is it smart to shoot? Probably not, dollar value is substantial, but depends on condition and originality. Things like matching serial numbers, and correct markings mean a lot. There is one on {elsewhere} at an asking price of $2000, just to get in the ballpark.

altecgb

What do you mean by nipple missing? Is the nipple where the cap goes?

Hawk Carse

Yup. I do not see one on the chamber on this side. Is it there and just not showing in the picture?

altecgb

This is the only picture that I have. I will ask him to take another picture. Thank you for the response. He will be very happy.

Hawk Carse

Pardon me.
I blew the picture up and there IS a nipple in that chamber, disregard my previous comments made when I could not see it.
He has a nice little gun.
I hope a real expert will be along to tell you and him more about it than I knew.

v35

See if there are any nipples (cones in 1860 terms) and look for threads in the holes where nipples are missing.
A blown out nipple causing missing threads in the cylinder isn't a good thing for value.
If threads are intact,missing nipples can be replaced.
Depending on condition it may be safe to shoot but be prepared for the possibility of a broken spring or cylinder locking bolt.
I got out of original percussion Colts because they need to be taken completely apart for cleaning and oiling after shooting. Corrosive black powder flash gets into the entire gun.
Each disassembly and reassembly diminishes screw head slots and grip fit.
Collectors like these areas to look like they've not been monkeyed with.

Old-Colts

Hawk provided most of the information you were looking for. Production was from 1850 to 1873 with a total in excess of 325,000. Serial numbers ranged from about 14,400 through approximately 340,000. The initial serial numbers were assigned to Baby Dragoons, hence the 1849 started at 14,400.

It looks like a nice and un-messed with Model 1849 Pocket Colt in reasonable condition. I collect Single Actions, not percussion Colts, so I'm not an expert on these revolvers, but since I don't see any remaining blue or case colors on the gun and it looks like there are a few spots of pitting in my opinion it probably won't bring $2000. If the cylinder scene is complete, all matching numbers, all nipples are in place, and it has all original parts my best guess is it would be valued somewhere between $1000 to $1500, but I could be wrong!

I would not recommend shooting it!