3072

Colt U.S. Contract Third Model Dragoon Revolver

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:3,000.00 USD Estimated At:9,000.00 - 14,000.00 USD
Colt U.S. Contract Third Model Dragoon Revolver
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Estimate: $9000 - 14000
Manufacturer: Colt Model: Dragoon
This is an attractive original example of a Colt 3rd U.S. Model Dragoon Revolver that was manufactured in 1857. The revolver has the combination of rounded brass trigger guard and rectangular cylinder stops that identify 3rd Dragoon Revolvers. Ordnance final inspection and sub-inspection marks are visible on the lower portion of both sides of the walnut grip. "H" Ordnance sub-inspection marks are stamped on the right heel of the grip, upper left side of the grip, top of the back strap, bottom of the trigger guard, left side of the barrel lug and cylinder. The top of the barrel lug is roll-stamped with the legend "- ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY-" reading from the muzzle. The cylinder is roll-stamped with the Ranger and Indian fight scene and "U.S.M.R./COLT'S PATENT". "COLTS/PATENT/U.S." is roll-stamped on the left front of the frame in three lines. The full serial number, "16351", is stamped on the bottom of the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard, back strap and the side of the cylinder. The partial serial number, "6351" is stamped on the loading lever. All of the visible serial numbers match. A fixed rear sight is dove-tail mounted on the top of the barrel lug. The sight is contemporary to the revolver but is not a factory sight. The Ordnance Department purchased approximately 5000 3rd Model Dragoon Revolvers to arm the U.S. Dragoons, Mounted Rifles and state militia between 1852 and 1861. Most of these U.S. contract revolvers subsequently saw hard use on the frontier or in the Civil War. Examples of U.S. contract 3rd Model Dragoon revolvers are hard to find and typically show the effects of service in the field.
BBL: 7 1/2 Inch
Stock:
Gauge: 44 percussion
Finish: blue/case-hardened
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 16351
Condition:
Very good plus. The revolver has an attractive, un-touched, deep brown patina. The barrel has some light pitting at the muzzle and the usual minor dents and scratches on the sides of the barrel lug. The cylinder retains much of the original Ranger and Indian fight scene with legible USMR and Colt markings. All of the cylinder safety pins are intact. The percussion nipples and rear face of the cylinder have light-moderate flash pitting. The serial numbers, barrel and frame markings and Ordnance sub-inspection marks are clear. The Ordnance inspection marks on the sides of the grip are faint and illegible. The lower left side of the grip has a well-executed period repair to a small chip. The action functions well. This is a solid, original, example of a U.S. Contract Colt 3rd Model Dragoon Revolver.