This Colt Model 1848 Dragoon revolver was manufactured in 1848. This revolver has the combination of oval cylinder stops and square-back brass trigger guard that identify it as a First Model Dragoon revolver. This U.S. contract revolver was probably part of the Second Contract for 1000 pistols executed between Colt and the Ordnance Department on November 2, 1847. These pistols were delivered in 1848 and 1849. Ordnance records indicate that 998 Dragoon revolvers from the Second Contract were issued to the U.S. Mounted Rifle Regiment. The cylinder of this revolver is roll-engraved "U.S. DRAGOONS/COLT'S PATENT" on either side of the serial number rather than the standard "U.S.M.R./COLT'S PATENT" markings found on most Dragoon revolvers. This scarce marking is found only on First and Second Model Dragoon revolvers. The half-round/half-octagon barrel has a nickel-silver front sight blade and is roll-stamped: "ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY" reading from the breech to the muzzle. The cylinder is roll-engraved with the Ranger and Indian fight scene with W.L. Ormsby markings at the bottom of the scene. "COLT'S/PATENT/U.S." is roll-stamped on the left front of the frame. Small "B" Ordnance sub-inspection marks are stamped on the back strap, trigger guard, top barrel flat and cylinder. Faint, illegible, oval Ordnance Department final inspection and sub-inspection marks are visible on the lower portions of both sides of the grip. The full serial number is stamped on the bottom of the barrel lug, frame, cylinder, back strap, and on the trigger guard on either side of the trigger guard screw. The loading lever, loading lever latch and cylinder pin are stamped with the partial serial number "062". The wedge is numbered "025". With the exception of the wedge, all of the visible serial numbers match. The early style cylinder has a single safety pin. Nearly all of the Second Contract, First Model Dragoon revolvers were issued to U.S. Mounted Rifle Regiment. During the late 1840s and early 1850s, the Mounted Rifles saw hard service on the Texas frontier, the Pacific Northwest, and California. When the Mounted Rifle Regiment was transferred to the Oregon Territory in 1849 shortly after the discovery of gold in California, a substantial portion of the regiment deserted with their mounts and weapons for the California gold fields.

Very good. Patterns of the nearly all silvered out casehardened finish remain on the frame and loading lever. The balance of the barrel, cylinder, loading lever, and frame have a smooth, gray/brown patina. The barrel has holster wear at the muzzle and a several takedown marks on the right side of the barrel lug above the wedge slot. The barrel legend is crisp. The cylinder retains most of the Ranger and Indian fight scene with clear "U.S. DRAGOONS" marking. The cylinder safety pin is battered, and the rear cylinder face shows moderate wear with minimal flash pitting. The brass trigger guard and back strap have a dark patina, and there are a several dents in the grip strap behind the trigger guard. The butt is lightly scribed with the crude initials "K T T". The serial numbers and Ordnance inspection marks are crisp. The grip is good overall with moderate handling wear and faint Ordnance final inspection and sub-inspection marks. The action is crisp and functions well.