This is an example of a Civilian Production Colt 3rd Dragoon Revolver that was manufactured in 1859. This late production revolver was manufactured for a detachable shoulder stock and has the four-screw frame with extended screw heads, slotted recoil shields and a slot cut in the bottom of the back strap. The revolver has a three leaf folding rear sight mounted in a dovetail cut on the breech end of the barrel and a German silver blade front sight. The revolver has the oval trigger guard and rectangular cylinder stops that distinguish the 3rd Model Dragoon Revolvers from the 1st and 2nd Model Colt Dragoons. The barrel, iron back strap and cylinder were blue, casehardened frame, loading lever and hammer and a silver plated brass trigger guard. The top barrel flat has the standard markings "-ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW YORK CITY-" one line reading toward the breech and the left side of the frame is marked "COLTS/PATENT". Part of the address is obliterated by the rear sight dovetail. The cylinder is roll engraved with the Ranger and Indian fight scene and there is a small "B" on the upper left front of the trigger guard and a small "G" on the left trigger guard shoulder. The complete matching serial number is marked on the bottom of the barrel lug, frame, cylinder, trigger guard and back strap, with the partial number "8170" on the loading lever, wedge and arbor pin. Fitted with a smooth one-piece walnut grip.

Very good. The metal surfaces have a smooth gray and dark mottled patina with strong traces of the original blue finish on the top of the back strap. 40% of the cylinder scene is lightly visible. The trigger guard retains 25% original silver plating concentrated around the bow and lower front strap, with an aged patina on the exposed brass. The revarnished grip is good with some lower edge wear and a couple minor dents. Unless noted above, the markings are clear. The action is fine.