H4283.1

1849
8.5 in WIDE x 1 in DEEP
(21.59 cm WIDE x 2.54 cm DEEP)
Museum Purchase
H4283.1

Early California Art and History, Science Special Gallery, December 2007 - September 2009

Colt pocket pistol. Description: 1849 model. Caliber 31, cap and ball, serial number 121534. Inscribed on the back strap in script are the words "Harry Morse, Sherriff Alameda County California, 1863." Harry N. Morse was the fourth sheriff of Alameda County. (Barry Hopp, 1982) Colt Model 1849 Pocket Revolver. In production from 1850 through 1873. 31 caliber percussion revolver. 8 3/4" overall. 4" octagonal barrel with seven groove rifling. Five-shot round cylinder marked "COLTS PATENT/NO. 121534" and engraved with a stagecoach hold-up scene. Case hardened frame, hammer and loading lever. Blued barrel and cylinder. Silver plated brass gripstraps. One-piece grip of varnished walnut. Backstrap engraved "Harry Morse/Sheriff Alameda County, Cal./1863." Top of barrel marked "ADDRESS SAMl COLT/ NEW YORK CITY." Left side of frame marked "COLTS PATENT." Serial number "121534" apppears on the bottom of the barrel, frame, trigger guard and backstrap. (Barry Hopp, 1982) Belonged to Harry Morse, elected sheriff of Alameda County in August of 1863. He was victorious over his opponent James Beazell of Livermore by a vote of 1,309 to 820. Morse was born in New York state on February 22, 1835. He came to California in 1849 aboard the sailing ship PANAMA. From the History Information Station: Object: Colt .31 calibre percussion revolver with 5-shot round cylinder, serial number 121534. Engraved with stagecoach robbery scene on the cylinder. Backstrap engraved, "Henry N. Morse, Sheriff, Alameda County, 1863." History: This pocket pistol was owned by Sheriff Henry Morse. The date engraved on it is the year of his first election to the position of Sheriff, an office which he held until 1877.

Used: Harry N. Morse ~ sherriff | Alameda County

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