Hello all!
This is my first post to this forum. I have been collecting cap and ball pistols for some time now. I have decided to specialize in Colt 1849 Pocket pistols and their variations. Back a couple months ago at auction, I purchased a rare variant called the Wells Fargo. Just recently I purchased a cased 1849 Pocket that was made in 1860. This purchase set me back allot of money. When I got it in for inspection, it turned out to be a pistol worth a thousand dollars less. The condition of the finish wasn't anywhere near as good as what was in the photos of the pistol. The same seller has a Baby Dragoon for sale that was one of the initial first 180 made in its first year of production in 1847. I have always been attracted to the Baby Dragoon. It is the closest so I can get to the pistol I really want to have, which is a second model Dragoon military pistol in good shape. The full-sized Colt Dragoon would've set me back over $13,000.
This particular Baby Dragoon is a rare version of the Pocket style pistols. I think this variant of the Baby Dragoon is rarer still. The finish is at least at 70%. I am thinking that this in itself is unusual. It is mechanically sound and in physically "Fine" shape except for a shortened safety pin. It also comes in its own case with accompanying accoutrements that are for the most part in good condition. The black powder flask is a period replacement of the original. What makes this pistol even more attractive to me is that it is inscribed with the name of a Civil War soldier.. Someone appraiser has done research on this individual and published a paper that describes the different battles that this individual was involved in. So I am thinking of sending back my 1849 Pocket for this 1848 Baby Dragoon.
I would like all of your opinion on this decision of mine to be made. The 1849 Pocket is not rare at all. This particular Baby Dragoon is rare. I think the provenance that comes with this pistol is just icing on the cake. But it cost $2000 more. I know this is allot of money to some of you. It is allot of money to me. But this has turned out to be a real passion of mine. I first started out collecting various revolvers and rifles on my list that I have been compiling for the past 10 years. It was a small list. Now I have started collecting some of Colts fine percussion pistols. Collecting all the variations of the 1849 Pockets should keep me busy for some time now, and also help keep my bank account empty.
Are there any cap and ball afficianados here? Does anyone collect specifically Colt percussion revolvers? I have always had a lot of respect for Colt firearms. This is why I have decided to focus on collecting them now. I'm hoping to find a few members of the forum here that also collect them. But I invite anyone to provide me their thoughts on my decision to be made. That additional $2000 will be a lot more money to me, but it still may be worthwhile investment.
Bob
This is my first post to this forum. I have been collecting cap and ball pistols for some time now. I have decided to specialize in Colt 1849 Pocket pistols and their variations. Back a couple months ago at auction, I purchased a rare variant called the Wells Fargo. Just recently I purchased a cased 1849 Pocket that was made in 1860. This purchase set me back allot of money. When I got it in for inspection, it turned out to be a pistol worth a thousand dollars less. The condition of the finish wasn't anywhere near as good as what was in the photos of the pistol. The same seller has a Baby Dragoon for sale that was one of the initial first 180 made in its first year of production in 1847. I have always been attracted to the Baby Dragoon. It is the closest so I can get to the pistol I really want to have, which is a second model Dragoon military pistol in good shape. The full-sized Colt Dragoon would've set me back over $13,000.
This particular Baby Dragoon is a rare version of the Pocket style pistols. I think this variant of the Baby Dragoon is rarer still. The finish is at least at 70%. I am thinking that this in itself is unusual. It is mechanically sound and in physically "Fine" shape except for a shortened safety pin. It also comes in its own case with accompanying accoutrements that are for the most part in good condition. The black powder flask is a period replacement of the original. What makes this pistol even more attractive to me is that it is inscribed with the name of a Civil War soldier.. Someone appraiser has done research on this individual and published a paper that describes the different battles that this individual was involved in. So I am thinking of sending back my 1849 Pocket for this 1848 Baby Dragoon.
I would like all of your opinion on this decision of mine to be made. The 1849 Pocket is not rare at all. This particular Baby Dragoon is rare. I think the provenance that comes with this pistol is just icing on the cake. But it cost $2000 more. I know this is allot of money to some of you. It is allot of money to me. But this has turned out to be a real passion of mine. I first started out collecting various revolvers and rifles on my list that I have been compiling for the past 10 years. It was a small list. Now I have started collecting some of Colts fine percussion pistols. Collecting all the variations of the 1849 Pockets should keep me busy for some time now, and also help keep my bank account empty.
Are there any cap and ball afficianados here? Does anyone collect specifically Colt percussion revolvers? I have always had a lot of respect for Colt firearms. This is why I have decided to focus on collecting them now. I'm hoping to find a few members of the forum here that also collect them. But I invite anyone to provide me their thoughts on my decision to be made. That additional $2000 will be a lot more money to me, but it still may be worthwhile investment.
Bob
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