Colt's Third Model Dragoon revolvers were manufactured circa 1851 to 1861, and were the last of Colt's massive "horse pistols" descended from the famous Colt Walker. This revolver was manufactured in 1858. Only around 1,500 Third Model Dragoons were made with provisions for shoulder stocks. The Third Model Dragoon can be quickly distinguished by its round trigger guard and rectangular cylinder stops. The Dragoons were used by the 1st and 2nd Dragoons and U.S. Regiment of Mounted Riflemen in the West in the antebellum era and saw extensive use by both sides during the Civil War. The barrel has a German silver half-moon blade front sight and rear sight with two folding leafs and a fixed leaf at the center, partially obscuring the one-line New York address. The left of the frame is marked "COLTS/PATENT/U.S." in three lines. In anticipation of the sale of far more Dragoon Pistols to the government the Colt factory stamped the U.S. on many pistols that were ultimately sold commercially. The cylinder has the Indian fight scene and the "Model U.S.M.R." marking. Matching full and partial serial numbers visible on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, cylinder pin, cylinder, loading lever, butt, and correctly handwritten in black ink inside the grip mortise, with non-matching number "930" on the wedge.

Fine, with smooth gray and brown patina on barrel and cylinder with visible scene, 50% plus strong original case colors visible on the frame and loading lever with smooth gray patina on the balance, some scattered light pitting, mostly defined markings, and 85% original silver plating on the brass. The refinished grip is very good, with some dents and scratches. Mechanically fine.