Made in 1855, this is an example of a 3rd Model Dragoon that has been converted to fire the 44 CF metallic cartridge and has had the barrel cut down to it's present length, (5 3/8"), probably done at the same time the conversion was done. The rear of the cylinder has been milled off, recoil shield cut-out made larger, a breech plate and loading gate attached to the recoil shield and an ejector rod assembly mounted on the right side attached by a screw on the left side of the barrel lug. A conical centerfire firing pin has been attached to the hammer and the loading lever holes have been filled. The top of the barrel flat is marked with the one line New York address, "COLTS / PATENT" on the left side of the frame and the complete matching serial number is marked on the cylinder, barrel, frame, trigger guard and backstrap. The cylinder pin and wedge are marked "5401". Half moon front sight, no rear sight and fitted with one-piece smooth walnut grips. A crude "LRA" has been scratched into the butt.