Manufactured in 1851, this is a desirable U.S. inspected Colt Second Model Dragoon revolver. Only an estimated 2,700 Second Model Dragoons revolvers were manufactured between 1850-1851 compared to 7,000 of the First Model Dragoons and 10,500 Third Model Dragoons, according to pages 84-86 of "Flayderman's Guide" 9th Edition. 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./10092/COLT'S PATENT". Matching serial numbers visible on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, back strap, loading lever, wedge, cylinder, cylinder arbor pin, and correctly handwritten in black ink inside the grip channel. Single letter inspector marks are present on the barrel, loading lever, cylinder, frame, trigger guard, left side of the grip, and back strap. Bordered script "JCB" (Joseph C. Bragg) and "WAT" (William A. Thornton) inspection cartouches stamped on each side of the grip.

Fine, retains 30% thinning original blue finish on the barrel and cylinder, strong traces of case colors with smooth gray patina on the balance, a few scattered small patches of minor surface oxidation, sharp markings and edges in the metal with a distinct cylinder scene. The brass exhibits an attractive bright golden patina. Grip is also fine with some scattered minor scratches and dings, minor surface wear spots on the otherwise distinct bottom edges, and mostly defined cartouches. Mechanically excellent. Nearly all of the U.S. contract Colt Second Model Dragoon revolvers saw hard use on the frontier, making a fine surviving example like this one a desirable example for the Colt collector!