This is an example of a rare C.L. Dragoon Marked Colt 3rd Model Dragoon revolver that was manufactured in 1858. The left side of the barrel lug is stamped "C. L. DRAGOONS.". 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. The four screw frame has two additional over sized screws and cut-outs in the recoil shield to accommodate an attachable shoulder stock. The bottom of the back strap is notched to accept a stock yoke. The barrel has the special three leaf folding rear sight mounted in a dovetail near the breech fitted on late production 3rd Dragoon revolvers with shoulder stocks. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped "ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY" in one line; the marking is partially obscured by the rear sight dovetail. The left side of the frame is roll-stamped with the two-line "COLT/PATENT" markings above the "U.S." property mark. A "C" Ordnance sub-inspection mark is stamped on the right heel of the grip and on the back strap. "M" is stamped on the left shoulder of the trigger guard and "1" is stamped on the left trigger guard bow, The full serial number, "17514" is stamped on the bottom of the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard and back strap, The partial serial number, "7514" is stamped on the loading lever, wedge, underside of the cylinder arbor pin and on the side of the cylinder. This revolver was apparently one of 932 revolvers delivered by Colt to the New York Ordnance Depot between July 1, 1858 and June 30, 1859. Eight of the 3rd Dragoon revolvers in this contract were delivered to state militia. The revolvers in this contract were fitted with attachable stocks and one stock was issued for each pair of revolvers. Stocked U.S. Contract 3rd Model Dragoon revolvers are among the most desirable Colt Dragoon models. Dragoon revolvers with "C/L. DRAGOON" markings are considered Confederate weapons and are especially rare and desirable.

Very good as partially refurbished. The revolver has a once cleaned smooth brown patina on the barrel, loading lever and cylinder. The cylinder has been refinished and the Ranger and Indian battle scene and other markings are no longer visible. There is moderate flash pitting on the percussion nipples and the rear face of the cylinder. The frame and hammer have a mottled silver gray patina with traces of the casehardened finish in protected areas. The back strap is silver-gray. The brass trigger guard has not been polished and has a good-looking aged patina. The one-piece walnut grip is very good overall. Wear is limited to some minor handling marks and a small chip in the left heel. The markings on the barrel and frame are clear and the serial numbers are sharp. The grip has a visible Ordnance sub-inspection mark on the left heel but the Ordnance final-inspection and sub-inspection stamps on the sides of the grip are no longer visible. This is a good example of a rare Confederate used U.S. contract Colt 3rd Model Dragoon revolver with three leaf rear sight and four-screw frame.