Unusual Colt 1849 Pocket Round Barrel .31 caliber (C10425)

Unusual Colt 1849 Pocket Round Barrel .31 caliber revolver. Made in 1864 with a 5” round barrel. According to the book on these guns, none of these were made by the factory, but some may have been made experimentally or by employees. The other possibility is that this was made by an early collector. Several of these guns are known. What’s interesting about this gun is the barrel address is nice and crisp. If this gun had been altered after the barrel address was applied then one would think the barrel address would be weakened or altogether obliterated. Gun is all matching. No original finish remains, and has a gray brown patina. Grips are nice and there is an “X” carved in the left hand side. Very unusual variation.