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  • Auction Catalog #51
  • Lot #1306
Lot #1305
Lot #1307

Lot 1306: Colt Dragoon Revolver 44 percussion

Outstanding Example of a Rare Massachusetts Marked Colt 2nd Model Dragoon Revolver

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: December 3, 2010

Lot 1306: Colt Dragoon Revolver 44 percussion

Outstanding Example of a Rare Massachusetts Marked Colt 2nd Model Dragoon Revolver

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: December 3, 2010

Estimated Price: $60,000 - $90,000

Outstanding Example of a Rare Massachusetts Marked Colt 2nd Model Dragoon Revolver

Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Dragoon
Type: Revolver
Gauge: 44 percussion
Barrel: 7 1/2 inch part octagon
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grip: walnut
Stock:
Item Views: 1348
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 275
Class: Antique
Description:

This very fine Colt U.S. Contract 2nd Dragoon Revolver was manufactured in 1851. This revolver was part of a lot of 100 Colt Dragoons issued by the Ordnance Department to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on August 14, 1852, part of the 200 total that were sent. Many of these revolvers were subsequently issued to Massachusetts troops during the Civil War. The revolver has the combination of square back trigger guard and rectangular cylinder stops which is unique to 2nd Model Dragoon Revolvers. Colt manufactured approximately 2700 2nd Model Dragoon Revolvers. The 2nd Dragoon Revolver had the lowest production of any of the three variations of Colt Dragoon revolvers. The revolver has a military blue finish on the barrel and cylinder; the loading lever, frame and hammer have a dove-gray, casehardened finish. The trigger guard and backstrap are brass and the one-piece grip is oil-finished black walnut. The cylinder is roll-engraved with the Ranger and Indian battle scene and "MODEL U.S.M.R./COLT'S PATENT". "MS" (Massachusetts) is boldly stamped on the trigger guard in front of the bow. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped: "- ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY-" in a single line reading toward the breech. The left side of the frame is stamped: "COLT'S/PATENT/U.S." in three lines. A small "B" Ordnance sub-inspection mark is stamped on the loading lever, top of the barrel flat, left side of the frame, cylinder, side of the hammer, bottom of the trigger guard bow, top of the backstrap and on the lower left grip heel. The Ordnance Sub-Inspector's script initials "JCB" are stamped in a rectangle on the lower left side of the grip. The Ordnance Inspector's script initials, "WAT" are stamped in an oval on the lower right side of the grip. The full serial number, "10618" is stamped in small numerals on the bottom of the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard, cylinder and backstrap. The partial serial number, "0618" is stamped on the loading lever. The barrel wedge and cylinder arbor pin are serial numbered "618". All of the serial numbers match. The revolver is accompanied by a typed letter from Arnold Chernoff, dated February 17, 1968 stating that in his opinion after seeing many Second Model Dragoons that "I can honestly state that I know of only one or two Colt Second Model Dragoons that are in better condition that serial number 10618" and "Furthermore, I can honestly state I do not know of another single gun with the Massachusetts Militia markings that is in as good as the gun you purchased from me." Also states "to find a gun such as this that is martially marked is three times as rare." This revolver was reportedly in Chernoff's collection for over 10 years.

Rating Definition:

Very fine. The revolver appears to be un-fired and retains 75% of the original blue finish and nearly 80% of the original case colors. The finish wear is attributable to storage and light handling. The blue finish is thin on the barrel and stronger on the cylinder. The cylinder retains virtually all of the Ranger and Indian fight scene. There is no flash pitting on the cylinder, percussion nipples or the face of the barrel lug. The bore is in perfect condition. The cylinder safety pins are battered but the wear appears to be the result of dry-firing rather than actual use. The brass trigger guard and backstrap have not been polished and have an attractive patina. All of the markings and sub-inspector marks are crisp. The grip is in fine condition with extremely sharp Ordnance inspection marks and shows only very minor handling and storage wear. U.S. Contract Colt Dragoon Revolvers typically saw hard and extended service and are rarely found with any original finish. This is an outstanding example of a rare Massachusetts marked Colt 2nd Model Dragoon Revolver in exceptional condition.



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