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Very Early Inscribed Colt 1st Model Dragoon

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:8,500.00 USD Estimated At:12,000.00 - 18,000.00 USD
Very Early Inscribed Colt 1st Model Dragoon
Auction Location:

16600 Aston Street
Irvine, CA
Very Early Inscribed Colt 1st Model Dragoon, #1423, .44 ball, 7-1/2'' barrel, blue and case-hardened finish, one-piece factory walnut grips. ''Colt's Patent/US'' to left side of frame. Period inscribed on backstrap, ''Major J.C. Bassett/Mounted Rifles/U.S. of A.'' All matching visible serial numbers (wedge is unnumbered), partial 423 on underside of barrel arbor, correct ''V''-type mainspring, cylinder with oval locking slots, with ranger and Indian fight scene and desirable ''Model USMR Colt's Patent'' marking to cylinder. Research shows that J.C. Bassett enlisted in Co G. 6th Michigan Infantry at Organization as a Captain on June 19, 1861. He was 30 years old, and commissioned Major of the 73rd U.S. Colored Troops. Bassett was killed in battle May 8, 1864. A GAR Post in Allegan, Michigan, was named for him and organized April 25, 1882; disbanded Feb. 12, 1941. Condition is very good for this type early Colt revolver. Barrel retains approx. 30-40% thinning, ton!
ing and speckling blue. Frame shows very light case colors with the balance having gone silver and gray; cylinder is white. Backstrap has been silver plated at time of inscription. Grips show light general knackering and some losses at toes. Single safety pin is present. For an early Colt Dragoon, cylinder is exceptional showing most of the ''Ranger and Indian'' fight scene, although faint, and obliterated by wear in one thumbprint size area. Action is crisp, bore is very good. Barrel lug has been shaved near attaching pin area and re-drilled to tighten frame. Serial numbers remain well defined. A hard to find named Colt Dragoon associated with U.S. black history. Est.: $12,000-$18,000.