Re-Try: Help! Need info on Colt 1849 Pocket Revolver

[Big Paulie]

Dear Guys,

I am new at Colt collecting, so I am sorry if my questions are real basic.

I just bought a Colt 1849, by e-mail auction, from a reputable dealer.  The description of the item says that it has all matching serial numbers.

I just received the revolver  yesterday, and all of the numbers do indeed match, except that the number stamped on the reloading lever (on its flat place where it touches the barrel) does not have the complete serial number.

Instead, the first digit of the number is missing, but the rest of the number is there.     For example, if serial no. is 533XXX, the number stamped on the lever is just 33XXX.

Is this normal?  Do the loading levers typically have the first digit missing from the the serial number?  Have I been snookered?

I would certainly appreciate any quick answers, as I need to send this back to the dealer immediately if there is something wrong here.

Best Regards, Big Paulie

[Flint]

It was common to use as few as 3 digits of the serial number on small parts, sometimes a completely different number could appear, but also be on other parts, as an assembly number, to keep the parts together during fitting and finishing, before a final serial number was assigned.  If the gun is really in very original shape, you might even find the serial number on the wedge.

[1860]

The one I have only has 3 numbers on the lever.  Does the wedge have any numbers on it?  And, if you don't mind, what are they worth today?

1860