This Colt Second Model Dragoon revolver was manufactured in 1851 as part of the 5th contract U.S. for Colt revolvers dated May 8, 1851. This contract was filled with a combination of Second and Third Model Dragoon revolvers. Some of the Dragoon revolvers from the 4th and 5th U.S. contract were allocated by the Ordnance Department to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for issue to the state militia; these revolvers were stamped "MS" on the base of the trigger guard ahead of the bow. The revolver has the distinctive Second Model combination of rectangular cylinder stops and square-back brass trigger guard. The part-round/part octagon barrel has a nickel-silver front sight blade and is roll-stamped: "-ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY-" reading from the muzzle to the breech. The cylinder is roll-engraved with the Ranger and Indian fight scene and "MODEL U.S.M.R./COLT'S PATENT" on either side of the serial number. "W.L. Ormsby Sc. N.Y." is roll-engraved in small letters below the cylinder scene. The left side of the frame is roll-stamped: "COLT'S/PATENT/U.S." in three lines. Single letter "B" or "H" Ordnance sub-inspection marks are stamped on the back strap, trigger guard, hammer, frame, cylinder and on the left grip heel. "MS" is stamped in front of the trigger guard bow. The right side of the grip is stamped with the Ordnance final inspection mark which consists of the script initials "WAT" with an oval border. The Ordnance sub-inspector's mark (the script initials "JCB" in a rectangle) is stamped on the lower left side of the grip. The full serial number, "10189" is stamped on the loading lever, bottom of the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard, back strap, the side of the cylinder and on the cylinder arbor pin. The wedge is stamped with the partial serial number "887". Colt manufactured approximately 2,700 Second Model Dragoon revolvers; this was the lowest production of the three models of Dragoon pistols. "MS" marked Colt Dragoon revolvers are scarce.

Very good plus. This totally original revolver has a silver-gray patina with untouched scattered age spotting. The cylinder retains most of the clearly legible Ranger and Indian fight scene. All of the cylinder pins are intact. The percussion nipples and rear face of the cylinder have light to moderate flash pitting. The brass trigger guard and back strap have an attractive un-polished patina. The cartouche walnut grip is in very fine condition with crisp and fully legible Ordnance inspection marks. The barrel and frame markings and serial numbers are crisp. The action is tight and functions perfectly. This is an attractive and completely original example of a scarce U.S. contract Colt Second Model Dragoon revolver with rarely encountered "MS" Massachusetts militia markings.