2119

MARTIALLY MARKED COLT 3RD MODEL DRAGOON PERCUSSION REVOLVER.

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:2,500.00 USD Estimated At:5,000.00 - 8,000.00 USD
MARTIALLY MARKED COLT 3RD MODEL DRAGOON PERCUSSION REVOLVER.
SN 12929. Cal. 44. Usual configuration with 7-1/2" oct to rnd bbl, German silver front sight and 1-line address with serifs at each end. Left side of frame has a small "COLTS PATENT" over a tiny "U.S.". The rnd brass trigger guard & backstrap contain a 1-pc walnut grip that has partially visible SN "29" in backstrap channel which is apparently the first part of "2929". Grip appears to be spuriously struck with a "JB" (probably for Joseph C. Bragg) cartouche on left side, struck vertically and a "WAT" (William A. Thornton) cartouche on right side, also struck vertically. This appears to have been a civilian revolver that someone attempted to turn into a military revolver not realizing that many civilian Dragoons were made with "U.S." marked contract overrun frames. CONDITION: About good, all matching including wedge & grip, wedge screw is missing. Traces of orig blue remain on bbl lug with the balance a mottled medium brown patina; rammer & handle are a gray patina; cylinder is mostly a medium brown patina and shows about 50% Dragoon/Indian fight scene with "MODEL U.S.M.R. / COLT'S PATENT" panels above & below the SN completely legible; trigger guard & backstrap retain a medium mustard patina. Grip has chipped toes and a couple of gouges on right; shows heavy wear and retains a handworn patina. Mechanics are fine, strong bright bore with scattered pitting. 4-48749 JR368