This First Model Dragoon was manufactured in 1848. Only approximately 7,000 First Model Dragoons were manufactured between 1848-1849, per page 85 of "The Book of Colt Firearms" by Sutherland and Wilson, and they are important pieces in Colt firearms history as one of the massive "holster pistols" made by Colt following the famous Colt Walker revolvers of 1847. These revolvers were designed for mounted use by the U.S. Mounted Riflemen and 1st and 2nd U.S. Dragoons. The First Model Dragoons were followed by 2,700 Second Model Dragoons and 10,500 Third Model Dragoons. All of the Dragoon models saw considerable use during both the antebellum period and the Civil War, and were also popular out west due to their stopping power. This revolver is bearing a fancy period inscribed name and date "J.S. Stuart 1849" on the back strap. The identity of this individual was unable to be confirmed, although a search of the Civil War database located a handful of individuals named J.S. Stuart that were all part of different Confederate regiments. The barrel has a German silver blade front sight and "ADDRESS SAML. COLT NEW-YORK CITY" reading from the breech towards the muzzle. The cylinder has the faintly visible Texas Ranger and Comanche Indian battle scene with "MODEL U.S.M.R." and "COLT'S PATENT" markings surrounding the serial number, and the correct oval stop slots of the First Model Dragoons. The frame has "COLT'S/PATENT/U.S." stamped on the left. Silver plated brass grip straps with a squareback trigger guard. Matching visible serial numbers on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, butt, and cylinder, with a period replacement loading lever numbered "110".