Colt Third Model Dragoon revolver manufactured in 1852. The revolver has the combination of rounded brass trigger guard and rectangular cylinder stops that identify it as a Third Dragoon revolver. Colt manufactured approximately 10,500 Third Dragoon revolvers between 1851 and 1861. Many Third Dragoon revolvers were used by Federal and Confederate soldiers during the Civil War. The part-round/part-octagon barrel has a nickel-silver front sight blade and is roll-stamped "{ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY}". The cylinder is roll-engraved with the Ranger and Indian fight scene and "MODEL U.S.M.R./COLT'S PATENT". Small single letter sub-inspection marks are visible on the barrel lug, cylinder and trigger guard; these markings indicate that this revolver might be one of the 1,000 U.S. contract Third Dragoon Revolvers in the 12,000-12,500 serial number range. The full serial number, "12436" is visible on the bottom of the barrel lug, trigger guard, cylinder and back strap. The loading lever is serial numbered "33". The serial number on the bottom of the frame and the "COLTS/PATENT" markings on the left side of the frame have been defaced and are no longer visible.