This is a solid example of a Confederate associated Colt 3rd Model Dragoon revolver that was manufactured in 1861. This revolver has the scarce eight-inch barrel marked "C. L. DRAGOONS." on the upper left flat. Colt experts have determined that these markings stand for "CROCHERON LIGHT DRAGOONS". The Crocheron Light Dragoons were an Alabama militia unit mustered into Confederate service as Captain Halloway's Company, Alabama Cavalry. The revolver has the distinctive 3rd Model combination of rounded trigger guard and rectangular cylinder stops with standard three-screw frame. The barrel has a nickel-silver front sight blade. The hammer has a rear sight notch. The top of the barrel is marked "ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY" in one line reading from the muzzle to the breech. The left side of the frame is marked with the two-line "COLT/PATENT" markings. The cylinder is marked with the Ranger and Indian fight scene and "MODEL U.S.M.R./COLTS PATENT above and below the serial number. A small "G" Colt sub-inspection mark is stamped the left shoulder of the trigger guard. The full serial number "19512" 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 "9512"" is stamped on the loading lever, the bottom of the wedge and on the cylinder arbor pin. All of the visible serial numbers match. What appears to be the name "R. Harden" is lightly scratched on the bottom of the back strap. Dragoon revolvers with "C/L. DRAGOON" markings are considered Confederate weapons and are especially rare and desirable.

Good plus. The revolver shows the service wear typical of Confederate used weapons. The barrel, lever, cylinder and frame have a gray-brown patina. The barrel and left side of the lug have scattered light pitting. The Colt legend on the top of the barrel is strong and the "C.L. DRAGOONS" marking on the left side of the lug is faint. There is light pitting on the left side of the frame near the patent marking and on the sides of the hammer. The cylinder has moderate pitting and retains about 20% of the Ranger and Indian scene and Colt markings. The cylinder safety pins are flattened. The brass trigger guard and back strap are in fair to good condition with moderate handling wear and traces of silver-plated finish in protected areas. The grip is in good overall condition with a small chip on the left front edge and scattered scratches and handling marks. This is a solid example of a very rare Confederate C.L. Dragoons marked 3rd Dragoon Revolver.