This is an example of a late production Colt Civilian Third Model Dragoon Revolver that was manufactured in 1861. This revolver was manufactured during the last year of production for the Colt Dragoon Revolver series and is one of a very few Colt Third Model Dragoon Revolvers that were manufactured with eight inch barrels. The revolver has the distinctive combination of oval brass trigger guard and cylinder with rectangular stops that identify Third Model Dragoon Revolvers. The right side of the barrel lug has a beveled loading lever cut-out. The barrel and cylinder have a blue finish and the loading lever, frame and hammer are color casehardened. The trigger guard and back strap are brass with a silver-plated finish and the revolver has a one-piece walnut grip. The massive six-shot cylinder is roll-engraved with the Ranger and Indian fight scene and "MODEL U.S.M.R./COLT'S PATENT". The top flat of the barrel lug is roll-stamped "-ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY-" in one line reading toward the breech. "COLTS/PATENT" is stamped on the left side of the frame in two lines. The full serial number, "19511", is stamped on the bottom of the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard, back strap and on the side of the cylinder. The partial serial number, "9511" is stamped on the loading lever and wedge. All of the visible serial numbers match. The numeral "2" is stamped on the lower left side of the barrel lug; the significance of this number is unknown. A small "G" Colt inspection mark is stamped on the left shoulder of the trigger guard and a small "S" is stamped on the left trigger guard bow. "M Rice" is lightly scratched on the bottom of the back strap. Six shallow notches are cut in the right side of the grip. Manufactured between 1851 and 1861, the Third Model Dragoon Revolver was the final design of the Colt Dragoon Revolver series. These revolvers typically saw hard use and are difficult to find with any original finish. Late production Colt Third Model Dragoon Revolvers (like this example) are very likely to have been carried during the Civil War. Colt Dragoon revolvers were especially popular with Confederate cavalry who typically utilized older model Colt revolvers.

Very good plus. The revolver is completely original and retains traces of the blue and casehardened finish. The barrel has an attractive plum brown patina with sharp edges and minimal pitting. The cylinder has a silver-gray patina present with nearly all of the original Ranger and Indian fight scene present with the Colt Patent markings. The percussion nipples have moderate flash pitting and the safety pins are battered. The frame, hammer and loading lever have a brown patina with visible case colors. Traces of the silver plated finish are visible in protected areas of the brass trigger guard and frame. The Colt markings on the barrel, frame and cylinder are crisp and the serial numbers are sharp. The grip is very good overall with moderate handling wear. The action is tight and functions well. This is a solid example of a Colt Third Model Dragoon Revolver with scarce eight-inch barrel.