Lot 2273: Colt First Model Dragoon Percussion Revolver

OB - EXCELLENT- all original parts; over 80% original finish; sharp lettering, numerals and design on metal; unmarred wood.

PRF - PROFESSIONALLY REFINISHED OR RESTORED

WW - WOOD IS WORSE FOR THE PERCENT FINISH RATING GIVEN

Includes a letter from R.L. Wilson stating it is in "Mint Condition" and notes that "not more than a total of approximately eight" of these revolvers exist. They were prototype predecessors of the Model 1860 Army. He also lists this revolver as "Used for Decades by Colt's Patent Fire Arms Mfg. Co., Inc." and notes these prototypes are "The Rarest of Colt Percussion Firearms." This revolver was factory modified from an early First Model Dragoon and is pictured on p. 55 of "A History of the Colt Revolver" by Haven and Belden and identified as from the J.C. Harvey collection (also confirmed by Wilson). Also page 56 of "The William M. Locke Collection" by Sellers features one of these experimental dragoons with a cut away barrel lug and the "creeping" type loading lever, and p. 77 of "The Book of Colt Firearms" by Sutherland and Wilson has another lightened and fluted cylinder Dragoon from the Locke collection that is identified as previously owned by Caldwell Colt. It features a rounded barrel lug, rebated portions of the frame and barrel lug, modified frame/lug to secure with a single pin at the front instead of two, and a fluted cylinder.