Lot 1149

Colt 1849 Revolver Presentation Inscribed to Captain Bissell

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Colt 1849 Revolver Presentation Inscribed to Captain Bissell

Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000

Starting Bid: $2,500

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 22, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Colt Model 1849 Pocket Percussion Revolver Inscribed "Presented to Capt. Bissell by Col. Saml Colt, 1852" This 1852 production Colt Model 1849 pocket revolver has a fancy period inscription on the back strap that reads "Presented to Capt. Bissell by Col. Saml Colt, 1852". An accompanying July 22, 1961, dated letter addressed from the Missouri Historical Society to the both well-known and renowned Colt dealer and authority Herb Glass Sr. states, "In answer to your request for information about Capt. Lewis Bissell, the following is a brief resume of his life. Capt. Lewis Bissell was born in Hartford, Connecticut on Oct. 12, 1789 and lived there until about 19 years of age. In 1808 he was appointed an ensign in the First Regiment U.S. Infantry and was ordered to the Western frontier. The following February he left in company with Gen. Daniel Bissell for St. Louis. In July he reached Fort Osage where he joined his company. During the War of 1812 he engaged in expeditions against the Indians and later saw action on the Northern frontier. In 1815 he was placed in command of Fort Clark and in 1816 resigned from the army. He was in the sutlers business for some years and returned to St. Louis in 1830, engaged in farming and lived here until his death on November 25, 1868." His relation to Samuel Colt and the circumstances of the presentation of this revolver are unknown. Matching visible full serial numbers are marked on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, and butt, matching "1103" is on the loading lever, matching "103" is on the wedge and cylinder arbor pin, and non-matching "51100" is on the cylinder.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: 1849

BBL: 4 inch octagon

Gauge: .31

Finish: brown/silver

Grips: walnut

Serial Number31103

Class: Antique

  • Provenance: The Herb Glass Sr. Collection; A Private Collection
  • Condition: Good, retains strong traces of original silver plating concentrated on the front grip strap and butt, with antiqued brown on the iron, light pitting, replacement hammer, and a distinct presentation inscription. The refinished grip is also good, with dents, scratches, and repairs. Mechanically needs work as the cylinder rotates intermittently upon cocking and is out of time.

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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