Lot 3169

Cased Thuer Conversion Colt Model 1849 Pocket Revolver

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Cased Thuer Conversion Colt Model 1849 Pocket Revolver

Estimate: $8,500 - $13,000

Starting Bid: $7,500

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 23, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Scarce London Cased and Addressed Thuer Conversion Colt Model 1849 Pocket Revolver The Thuer system was designed by Colt employee F. Alexander Thuer and patented on September 15, 1868, and January 4, 1870. They were specifically designed with reloadable tapered front loading cartridges to allow Colt to produce metallic cartridge revolvers without infringing on Smith & Wesson's monopoly on revolvers with bored through cylinders due to the Rollin White patent. Total production of the Thuer conversion revolvers is estimated at just 5,000 revolvers in "The Book of Colt Firearms" by Wilson, and these 5,000 revolvers are split between the Model 1849 Pocket, Model 1851 Navy, Model 1861 Navy, Model 1860 Army, Pocket Navy, and Model 1862 Police. Wilson notes that "the bulk of Thuer sales were made in England and Australia." This revolver was sold through Colt's London Agency and features London proof marks and a London case with the 14 Pall Mall addressed trade label featuring directions for "Colt's New Patent Metallic Central Fire Cartridge Revolving Pistols." The revolver features the distinctive loading groove on the right side of the barrel lug and the groove in the recoil shield for using the Thuer system. The rear of the cylinder and breech plate are numbered "6". The cylinder is not externally numbered. The wedge, loading lever, barrel, frame, trigger guard, back strap, and grip are numbered "343". The barrel has a small brass cone front sight and the two-line "{ADDRESS COL. COLT/LONDON}" address. The cylinder has the classic stagecoach hold-up scene, and the frame has "COLTS/PATENT" marked on the left. The oak case has brass mounts, the noted trade label, a cleaning rod, oiler, L-shaped combination tool, bullet mold, cartridge-shell holder, ball guide, capping plug, capping guide, punch, ammunition tin with orange label for fifty .31 caliber "Economic Metallic Central Fire Cartridges for Colt's New Patent Revolver, Pocket Size" and five rare Thuer cartridges inside, and an Eley Bros. cap tin with orange label marked "for Central-Fire Breech-Loading Cases."

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: 1849

BBL: 5 inch octagon

Gauge: .31

Finish: blue/casehardened/silver

Grips: walnut

Serial Number343

Class: Antique

  • Condition: Fine with 80% original silver plating on the grip straps with aged patina, refurbished case colors on the hammer, 80% original blue on the conversion plate, 40% original blue on the barrel and cylinder, traces of original case colors on the loading lever and frame, smooth gray and brown patina on the balance, distinct markings, and minor oxidation. The grip is very fine with nearly all of the glossy high polish varnish, minor dings and scratches, and light edge wear. Mechanically functions. The case and accessories are fine to very fine with mild age and storage related wear. Overall, this is a scarce cased set.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000