Manufactured in 1858 this Colt 3rd Model Dragoon Revolver was part of an Ordnance Department contract for 924 Dragoon revolvers and one of an estimated 1,200-1,500 3rd Dragoon revolvers issued with a detachable stock. The oval brass trigger guard and rectangular cylinder stop slots are features that are characteristic of 3rd Dragoon revolvers. The four-screw frame has stock cut-outs in the recoil shields and there is a slot for the stock clamp in the bottom of the buttstrap. The barrel has a rear folding leaf rear sight mounted in a dovetail. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped "-ADDRESS SAML COLT, NEW-YORK CITY" and the left side of the frame is roll-stamped "COLTS/PATENT/US". The cylinder is roll-engraved with the Ranger and Indian battle scene and "MODEL U.S.M.R." and "COLT'S PATENT" in two decorative panels. Small "S, H, C" and "T" sub-inspector initials are stamped on most components including the grip heels and a "P" is stamped on the rear face of the cylinder between the chambers. The full serial number is stamped on the bottom of the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard and back strap and on the side of the cylinder with the partial serial number ("7462") stamped on the loading lever and wedge. Blue with casehardened loading lever, frame and hammer. Provenance: The Joseph Murphy Collection

Professionally restored to nearly mint condition. The barrel, loading lever, cylinder, frame, hammer and back strap have the correct blue and color casehardened finish. The cylinder markings have been re-rolled. The markings and serial numbers are crisp. The cylinder pins are battered. There are traces of pitting on the frame and hammer and some flash pitting on the rear face of the cylinder. This is a solid example of a scarce U.S. contract Colt 3rd Model Dragoon Revolver.