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SCARCE COLT FIRST MODEL DRAGOON PERCUSSION REVOLVER.

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:3,750.00 USD Estimated At:7,500.00 - 12,500.00 USD
SCARCE COLT FIRST MODEL DRAGOON PERCUSSION REVOLVER.
SN 1915. Cal. 44. Usual configuration with 7-1/2" oct to rnd bbl, German silver front sight and 1-line New York City left hand address. Left side of frame is marked with a tiny "COLT'S PATENT" over a tiny "U.S." The square-back brass trigger guard and backstrap contain a 1-pc walnut grip with last 3 digits of matching SN visible in the buttstrap channel. Cyl is usual 6-shots with a distinctive pressure ridge, oval cyl stop notches and the Dragoon/Indian Fight Scene roll-marking. SNs are of the very tiny Walker style. Rammer handle is marked with assembly number "35" with matching number on the bottom of bbl just forward of the rammer cut. According to Flayderman's Guide to Antique American Firearms there were about 7,000 of these scarce revolvers produced in the period 1848 to about 1850. These early 1st Model Dragoons received immediate acceptance by both the military and civilian markets and usually saw extensive hard service on the American Frontier under extreme adverse circumstances with little maintenance and are rarely found today in orig configuration with any orig finish. CONDITION: Very good to fine, all matching, including wedge, cyl and grip. Overall retains mostly a smooth gray brown patina with scattered pinprick pitting; frame has a casting flaw/hairline crack on left side, vertically between the trigger and hammer screws which does not effect operation at all; cyl is a matching patina with 2 areas of pinprick pitting, apparently from long term storage in a holster, and shows about 40-50% Dragoon/Indian Fight Scene with legible panels surrounding the SN; trigger guard and backstrap retain silver plating in sheltered areas, being mostly a medium mustard patina; grip has chipped toes, otherwise is sound, showing heavy wear and a hand worn patina; mechanics are fine; strong bright bore with moderate pitting. 4-47545 JR178