Typical settings: Gold Rush stories, Civil War–era civilian scenes, Old West frontier towns, gamblers, travelers, and discreetly armed characters.
This non-firing replica revolver is modeled after the Colt Model 1849 Pocket Revolver, also historically known as Colt’s Revolving Pocket Pistol. Introduced in 1849 and designed by Samuel Colt, it became one of the most widely carried personal firearms of the mid-19th century.
Historically, the 1849 Pocket was a .31 caliber percussion revolver with a five-shot rotating cylinder, intended for civilian self-defense rather than battlefield use. It was especially popular during the California Gold Rush, where merchants, gamblers, travelers, and prospectors favored its compact size and concealability. Though not a standard military sidearm, it was commonly carried by officers and civilians throughout the American Civil War and remained prevalent across the Old West.
Visually, the Pocket 1849 closely resembles a scaled-down 1851 Navy, sharing the same octagonal barrel profile and overall styling, but in a smaller frame with a proportionally larger trigger guard. This makes it ideal for characters who needed a personal weapon without the bulk of a full-size revolver.
Cinematically, the Colt 1849 Pocket Revolver is often used to represent gamblers, townsfolk, travelers, and secondary characters who required discreet protection. Film and television frequently place it in saloons, frontier towns, and private encounters, where its size and profile signal personal carry rather than open combat.
This non-firing replica is constructed of metal and wood, features a simulated loading and firing mechanism, and a five-shot rotating cylinder. Measuring approximately 7.75 inches overall with a 3-inch octagonal barrel, it reflects the compact proportions of the original design. It is set safe and intended for film, television, theater, rehearsal, reenactment, and display use only.
Commonly depicted with:
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Gamblers and saloon patrons
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Gold Rush prospectors
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Civil War–era civilians and officers
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Frontier townspeople
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Discreetly armed characters
