This early Colt Third Model Dragoon was manufactured in 1852 per Colt and features the early factory engraving prior to Gustave Young becoming Colt's primary engraving contractor. This engraving features more feather-like scrollwork with crosshatched shading for the background, gadroon and wavy line borders, a bestial design on the hammer, and "COLTS/PATENT" inscribed rather than stamped on the left side of the frame. This style has been attributed by Herbert Houze in "Colt Factory Engravers of the Nineteenth Century" as by Thomas J. Barlow. This example compares well with the revolvers presented to General Franklin Pierce (later U.S. President) on pages 18 and 19th of Houze's book, including oval escutcheon design on the trigger guard bow. The barrel has a German silver blade front sight and the one-line "{ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY}" address. The cylinder has the iconic Texas Rangers and Comanche fight scene along with "MODEL U.S.M.R." and "COLTS PATENT". Matching serial numbers are visible on the cylinder, loading lever (partial), barrel, wedge, arbor, frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The factory dot marking to designate engraving and special finishing is marked by the main serial numbers. The revolver is finished in the classic Colt percussion era combination of blue on the barrel and cylinder, silver plating on the grip frame, and casehardening on the loading lever, frame, and hammer. The revolver comes in a fitted mahogany case with a "Jos. C. GRUBB & CO./IMPORTERS OF/FINE SPORTING/GUNS AND APPARATUS/236 MARKET STREET/PHILADELPHIA/Agents for Colt's Pistols, Rifles & Shot Guns" trade label along with a cap tin, martial pattern powder flask without a ball compartment, and brass ball/bullet mold with iron sprue cutter. Colt's Third Model Dragoon revolvers were the last of Colt's massive "holster pistols" intended for use by mounted military men who would carry them in pommel holsters. They were not as popular on the commercial and international markets as Colt's lighter Model 1851 Navy "belt revolvers" and the even smaller Model 1848 Pocket. Thus, relatively few of the Dragoon revolvers were produced, and fewer still were engraved. Grubb, however, appears to have found plenty of clients for engraved Colt Dragoons, particularly in 1861 in the early months of the Civil War. He is well-known to Colt collectors for receiving shipments of engraved Colt Dragoons, including English Dragoons that had sat unsold for multiple years. Joseph C. Grubb (1813-1879) was a Quaker and very successful businessman in Philadelphia. He moved to the city around 1836 from Wilmington, Delaware, and founded Joseph C. Grubb & Company in 1839. By the time this revolver was shipped by Colt at the beginning of the Civil War, he was one of the city's leading businessmen and dealt in a wide variety of goods, including tobacco products from the South. The business was highly successful, selling $323,000 in goods in 1864, and after the Civil War continued to be "dealers in all kinds of firearms." Grubb became wealthy, owning a home both in the city and a country residence named "Highfield," and was also active in other various public and business affairs as a member of various business and civic organizations, including the Philadelphia Board of Trade, Farmers' and Mechanics' Bank, and the Union League. The Philadelphia Inquirer in November of 1861 indicated that the Joint Select Committee of Councils on the Defense and Protection for the city had spent $125,427.63 that year so far, of which $45,073.28 was paid to "J C Grubb & Co., for arms." The company was paid more than any other and was followed distantly by H. Botler & Co. which received $15,729 for arms. These funds were expended to arm the home guards. Philadelphia's councils had passed an ordinance on April 19, 1861, to organize home guard companies and then subsequently to organized them into regiments for service and thus had a great need for firearms, including Colt's revolvers which were in high demand throughout the Civil War. The local papers noted of the creation of various companies throughout the city formed following the firing on Fort Sumter by Confederate forces on April 12, 1861. Many of the Dragoons ordered by Grubb thus were likely destined for the Philadelphia Home Guard, and the engraved examples would have been suitable presentation pieces for newly commissioned officers headed off to fight in the "War Between the States."

Fine with 30% original blue finish on the bottom of the barrel, a spot refinished to the rear of the loading lever catch, 85% plus original silver plating remaining on the grip frame and exhibiting attractively aged patina, mostly gray patina on the balance, some patches of varnish, distinct engraving, mostly crisp cylinder scene, and mild overall wear including some light pitting. The refinished grip is nicely figured and has much of the varnish remaining and mild dents and scratches. Mechanically fine. The case is very good with cracks in the lid and mild age and storage related wear. The accessories are also good with moderate wear. Overall, this is a very attractive and early factory engraved Colt Third Model Dragoon.