This is a solid representative example of an extremely rare Colt, known as the "Transition Dragoon" or "Transition Walker", of which only approximately 240 were manufactured in late 1847. The Transition Dragoons were serial numbered in the subsequent sequence to the civilian Colt Walker Model revolvers and utilized some leftover parts from the predecessor model. This second variation Transition Dragoon, serial number 1250, features a straightback frame type, differing from the first variation Transition Dragoons with a curved cut-out portion at the rear of the frame similar to the Walkers before, which can be seen on a Transition Dragoon with serial number 1144 previously sold by Rock Island Auction Company (reference auction 78, lot 3103). Features on this revolver that distinguish Transitional Dragoon revolvers from later Dragoon revolvers include the areas behind the trigger guard that slant back into the grips, a short trigger, slender "Slim Jim" grip, and Colt Walker style tiny font serial numbers. The top barrel flat is marked with the one-line "ADDRESS. SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY" address, with a partly visible "COLT'S/PATENT/U.S." marked on the left side of the frame. The barrel has a nickel-silver front sight blade. Full and partial matching serial number "1250" is stamped in tiny numerals on the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard, butt, cylinder, and cylinder arbor pin, and an unnumbered replacement wedge and loading lever.

Very good, with gray and brown patina, scattered light oxidation and pitting, bright golden appearance on the brass with a replacement reinforced small circular area around the front trigger guard screw and strong traces of original silver finish visible in the protected areas of the grip straps. Cylinder is a renumbered to match replacement. Frame is refinished, most notably on the left side with pitting visible under the artificially applied brown finish. Left side of rear barrel lug exhibits refinished area over repair. Grip is good as sanded and re-oiled, with scattered dings and scratches. Mechanically fine. As the rarest of all the early Colt revolver production models, this Colt Whitneyville/Hartford "Transition Dragoon" revolver would make a fine addition to any advanced Colt firearms collection.