Colt 3rd Dragoon revolver manufactured in 1855. This commercial production revolver has the combination of an oval brass trigger guard and rectangular cylinder stops found only on 3rd Dragoon revolvers. The left side of the frame has the commercial "COLTS/PATENT" marking. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped "-ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW YORK CITY-" in a single line reading toward the breech. The serial number, "14817" is stamped on the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard, back strap and cylinder. The loading lever and barrel wedge are stamped with the partial serial number, "4817."

As assembled. Most of the serial numbers have been restamped to match frame. The revolver has a dark brown artificial patina on the barrel, loading lever, frame, cylinder and hammer. The barrel lug has moderate to heavy pitting and the heads of the loading lever and wedge screws are badly battered. The cylinder has moderate to heavy pitting on the sides and breech with scattered dents and scratches. None of the cylinder pins are intact. The roll-engraved scene is not visible. The right side of the frame and recoil shield show moderate pitting. The arbor pin is a crude, period, replacement. The sides of the hammer are flash pitted and the knurling on the spur is worn from handling. The brass back strap and trigger guard are discolored and have numerous handling marks. The walnut grip is worn from handling and has shrunk with gaps along the edge of the back strap. There are small chips in the toe of the grip at the junction with the lower trigger guard strap. The action is loose and the hammer will not hold at half-cock. From the Will Hoffeld Collection.