3147

Outstanding Colt First Model Dragoon Revolver with Scarce "U.S. DRAGOONS" Marked cylinder

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:8,000.00 USD Estimated At:20,000.00 - 30,000.00 USD
Outstanding Colt First Model Dragoon Revolver with Scarce  U.S. DRAGOONS  Marked cylinder
This is a fine original example of a Colt U.S. Contract First Model Dragoon revolver that was manufactured in 1849. This revolver was part of the Ordnance contract for 1000 Dragoon revolvers issued on January 8, 1849. The revolver has the square back trigger guard, oval cylinder stop slots and V-shaped mainspring which are distinguishing features of the First Model Dragoon revolvers. The cylinder has the single safety pin found on early production First Dragoons. The pistol has a military blue finish on the barrel, casehardened loading lever, frame and hammer, bright finished cylinder and brass trigger guard and backstrap. The revolver has one-piece walnut grips. The part-round/part-octagon barrel has a nickel-silver front sight blade and is roll-stamped "{ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY}" in one line reading toward the muzzle. The left side of the frame is stamped "COLTS/PATENT/U.S." in three lines. The cylinder has the scarce variant marking "U.S. DRAGOONS" along with the usual "COLT'S PATENT" markings and Ranger and Indian fight scene. Small, single letter Ordnance sub-inspection marks are stamped on most components. "K" is stamped on the top barrel flat, the left side of the loading lever and the top of the backstrap. "G" is stamped on the cylinder, hammer and trigger guard. A small "T" is stamped on the back of the cylinder. The serial number, "5556" is stamped with small numerals on the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard, backstrap and cylinder. The partial serial number "556" is stamped on the loading lever and cylinder arbor pin. The wedge is numbered "269". Most of the U.S. Contract First Model Dragoon revolvers were issued to the 1st and 2nd Dragoon Regiments and the U.S. Mounted Rifles. These units saw hard service on the expanded western frontier following the Mexican War. Surviving First Model Dragoon revolvers with any original finish are very scarce.
BBL: 7 1/2 inch part-round/ part-octagon
Stock:
Gauge: 44 percussion
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 5556
Condition: Fine. The revolver retains 40% of the original blue and shows only limited firing wear. Substantial amounts of the original military blue finish are present on the barrel lug and protected areas of the barrel. The frame and hammer retain traces of the crisp dove-gray case colors. The bright finished cylinder has 90% of the roll-engraved Ranger and Indian scene. The barrel markings, cylinder scene and serial numbers are sharp. The frame marking is lightly struck at the top. The nipples and front and rear faces of the cylinder show minimal flash pitting. The brass trigger guard and backstrap have been polished but remain in good condition with scattered light handling marks. The grip is in good condition with moderate handling wear on the butt. The action is crisp and functions perfectly. This is a fine example of an original, first contract First Model Dragoon revolver with "U.S. DRAGOONS" marked cylinder.