This revolver is a Hartford English Dragoon Revolver with the Third Model round back trigger guard. Only approximately 700 of these dragoons were manufactured c. 1853-1857. Around 140-150 of these revolvers were engraved by English engravers, and 200 of these revolvers, including many of the engraved examples, were returned to Hartford in 1861 and sold for use in the American Civil War. The revolver features floral scroll engraving on the barrel lug, barrel, loading lever, frame, hammer, trigger guard and back strap. "COLTS PATENT" is engraved in a banner on the left side of the frame. The top of the barrel lug is marked "-ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW YORK CITY-" in a lined panel reading toward the breech. The cylinder is roll-engraved with the Texas Ranger and Comanche battle scene, "MODEL U.S.M.R" and "COLT'S PATENT". London "Crown/V" and "Crown/GP" proofmarks are stamped between the nipple cut-out on the cylinder shoulders and on the left side of the barrel lug. The serial number, "2430", is stamped on the bottom of the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard, back strap, cylinder, wedge and cylinder pin. There is a dot below the serial number on the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard and back strap that indicates the revolver was designated for factory engraving. The serial number falls outside of the usual 1-700 serial number range for the Hartford English Dragoons and also well-before the Hartford Third Model Dragoon range. The brass trigger guard and back strap are silver plated. The frame, hammer, and loading lever are casehardened, and the remaining parts are blue. It is fitted with a highly figured walnut one-piece grip with a high polish finish.

Very fine as period English refurbished/refinished with most of the finish remaining, a few small areas of oxidation and pitting under the finish on the barrel, mostly crisp engraving and cylinder scene, gloss varnish remaining on the grip, some lower edge wear, and a few minor dings and handling marks. Mechanically excellent.