1864 M49 Colt .31 Pocket Revolver

majspud

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Despite my heart attack, I still plan on reenacting Civil War and WWII. So that means no rifle this season; 28th CW season, 3rd WWII season. For WWII, I got a 90 year old Kodak Hawkeye Model C camera. First roll of film is being developed from last weekend's drill. I already use a blank converted '43 Mauser HSc 7.65mm pistol, so I'm good there.

For Civil War, I will slip into the Provost (military police) role. As I no longer had a Civil War sidearm, I had to address this. I would have preferred a M1860 Colt Army, but they go for $1200-3000. As Provost, I only need a defensive sidearm, and I found this M49 Colt .31 Pocket Revolver on GunBoards. Very nice condition; serial dates it to early 1864 (starts 250K). Amazingly they still made this cap and ball revolver well into the handgun cartridge era, with production only ending in 1873 at 340,000 pieces.

To go with it, I have my old "Veteran Reserve" jacket. Instituted in 1864, this uniform was worn by wounded/disabled veterans who could still perform light duties. Pistol should be here next week in time for drill in the first week of March. Lose another 10 pounds, the coat will fit fine.

t
 

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For Civil War, I've been "rolling" my own cartridges since 1995 for handguns with my own invention. Cigarette paper, powder, and Cream of Wheat (inert block instead of grease). Have made .31, .34, .36, and .44 blanks. I can use these live as well; just ram a ball on top. Cigarette paper burns up. Flash paper would work better, but I never seemed to get around to finding some.

t
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Neat. I think Polaroid style and other vintage cameras are coming back into style, I know a few people with them.

My uncle worked for Polaroid for like 30 years.
 
The camera...

t
 

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I may get a little better one with 2 apertures to I can do landscape. It all depends on the level of recovery from my heart attack.

t
 
Here it is. Totally matched to the wedge, loading lever, and cylinder bar. Bore needs more cleaning; I did a quick brass brush and jag. Lots of light brown surface rust came off the inside.

t
 

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