The First Model Dragoon is an important descendant of the famous Colt Walker revolver which debuted just one year earlier. These revolvers were designed for mounted use by the U.S. Mounted Riflemen and 1st and 2nd U.S. Dragoons in the antebellum era and were also popular in the American Southwest. They saw use during the American Civil War in both Union and Confederate hands. This revolver was manufactured in 1849 and has the distinctive first model cylinder with oval cylinder stops like the Walker along with a squareback trigger guard as well as the subtler First Model hammer and mainspring. The upper barrel flat is marked "-ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY-" reading from muzzle the towards the breech . The left side of the frame is marked "COLT'S/PATENT/U.S." Single letter inspection marks on various components. No cartouches visible on the grip. Matching serial numbers are located on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, butt, loading lever, wedge, cylinder and cylinder pin.

Very good plus, retains 30% original blue finish concentrated on the barrel with sharp markings, a few faint traces of original case colors, with smooth gray and brown patina on the balance and traces of original blue finish on the cylinder with a fine, well-defined scene with a patch of mild pitting obstructing the markings above the serial number, and half of the original silver plated finish concentrated on the backstrap and protected areas of the trigger guard. Grip is also very good with scattered scratches, crazing and some light edge wear. Mechanically fine.