Manufactured in 1850, this is a desirable U.S. inspected Colt Second Model Dragoon revolver. Only an estimated 2,700 Second Model Dragoons revolvers were manufactured around 1850 and 1851 compared to 7,000 of the First Model Dragoons and 10,500 Third Model Dragoons. A large percentage of these revolvers were manufactured for the Army. The revolver has the distinctive combination of squareback trigger guard and rectangular cylinder stops, which are second model features. The part round barrel is fitted with a German silver blade front sight and is stamped with the one-line New York address. The left side of the frame is stamped "COLT'S/PATENT/U.S." The cylinder is roll-engraved with the Ranger and Indian fight scene and "MODEL U.S.M.R./8866/COLT'S PATENT". Matching serial numbers visible on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, back strap, loading lever, cylinder, and cylinder pin, and correctly handwritten in black ink inside the grip mortise, with non-matching number that appears to read "856" on the period replacement wedge. Single letter inspector marks are present on the barrel, loading lever, cylinder, trigger guard and back strap. Bordered script "JH" (James Hawkins) and "WAT" (William A. Thornton) inspection cartouches stamped on both sides of the grip. Provenance: The Harry Thomas Collection; The James H. and Theresa G. Earle Collection; Private Collection

Very fine, retains 40% original blue finish concentrated on protected areas of the barrel and cylinder, strong case colors visible in the protected areas of the hammer and frame, a few scattered small patches of light pitting, and crisp markings, edges and cylinder scene. The brass exhibits an attractive bright golden patina. Grip is fine with most of the original varnish finish, some scattered light scratches and dings, minor wear spots on the otherwise distinct bottom edges, and defined cartouches. Mechanically excellent. Nearly all of the U.S. contract Colt Second Model Dragoon revolvers saw hard frontier service, making a well above average genuine surviving example like this one a desirable example for the Colt collector!