Colt 1849 Pocket & Rig

Civil War Era

With Very Rare Holster

A great piece of antique gun leather is our Colt 1849 Pocket & Rig.

A very interesting Civil War outfit, consisting of a Colt 1849 Pocket revolver, belt, holster, and a large possibles pouch. The holster is a VERY RARE, maker marked “S. Sherlock & Co., Portland”. Samuel Sherlock was the predecessor of the George Laurence Co. in Portland, Oregon.

THE GUN is a very good condition Colt 1849 Model pocket revolver made in 1865. With serial #273858, marked in all the correct locations, wedge unmarked. It is a .31 caliber, six shot cylinder, with a 6” barrel. It appears to be 100% correct. With the exception of the wedge screw, an old period replacement. The markings are good and the cylinder scene is visible. Also, the cylinder has the matching serial number.

Colt 1849 Mechanics

The mechanics are good and the bore is good, showing strong rifling with typical black powder erosion. The blue finish has turned to a dark patina overall. As well as, the case colors on the frame. The gun shows use and carry with lots of dings and minor pin prick erosion. The brass trigger guard and back strap show no silver finish remaining. The original walnut grips fit perfectly.  Although, showing dings and wear and an old re-varnish finish.

THE HOLSTER shows the “S. Sherlock & Co.” marking prominently on the back side of the pouch. This is a rarely found holster marking. The holster is in good condition, showing nice tooling on the front. Although, the top of the throat shows some repairs to the front side and some losses to the back side. The original belt loop is retained with period copper rivets. Also, the stitching shows some replacement stitches at the top and some losses in the middle of the pouch seam. The holster is still solid and not coming apart. There is no toe plug and never was one. It is a typical “Slim Jim” style of the era and the revolver fits deep inside. Even with the losses at the throat area and the stitching, it is still a great looking holster – the holster has no crazing.

THE BELT is a simple plain belt made of heavy harness leather with a roller buckle. It is 1 ¾” wide x 44” long. It is sturdy and supple, showing light crazing throughout the length of its outer surface.

THE LEATHER POUCH has a gold eagle emblem on the flap. It shows crazing on its outer surfaces, but is solid and complete. The two belt loops have been re-riveted with modern type rivets. All the original pouch stitching is present and solid. Inside the pouch is a period correct cap tin, marked “United States Army Caps, U.M.C. Co., Bridgeport, Conn”.

Maker History

Samuel Sherlock opened his first harness and saddlery in Portland, Oregon in 1857. George Lawrence joined the business in 1874. In 1876 Sam was thrown from a horse and died two days later. George continued the business in the interest of Sam’s widow, Rosetta, under the name of R. Sherlock. Rosetta sold the business to George in 1893 and it was then incorporated; “The George Lawrence Co.” The business was continued by generations of Lawrence’s, until 1990, when it was sold to an Eastern concern and is still in business to this day. Lawrence marks are common, S. Sherlock marks are very rare.

This is a great Civil War outfit, obviously showing battle field use and would be nearly impossible to replicate. You may never see another holster made by this maker.

Clarks Antiques Firearms – Colt 1849 Pocket & Rig – Price $2,950.00

Item #1798

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