This is an example of a Colt Third Model Dragoon revolver that was manufactured in 1857. This commercial production revolver has the combination of rounded brass trigger guard and rectangular cylinder stops that identify Third Model Dragoon revolvers. The barrel has the standard nickel-silver front sight blade and the cylinder is roll engraved with the Ranger and Indian fight scene. The one-piece walnut grip has a varnish finish. The top barrel flat is roll stamped with the one-line legend "-ADDRESS SAML COLT, NEW-YORK CITY-" reading toward the breech. "COLTS/PATENT" is roll stamped in two lines on the left side of the frame. The full serial number, "16442" is located on the bottom of the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard and back strap. The loading lever is stamped with the partial serial number "4948". No serial number is visible on the cylinder. The Colt Dragoons were hard hitting revolvers that were popular on the pre-Civil War frontier with soldiers and civilians. Many privately owned Colt Dragoon revolvers were used in the Civil War by both Federal and Confederate soldiers. Colt Dragoon revolvers typically show the wear associated with hard service.

Good. The revolver has a mottled silver-gray patina on the barrel, loading lever, cylinder, hammer and frame. Although the loading lever serial number does not match the other components, the finish on the lever is identical to the rest of the revolver and it is obviously a period replacement. The cylinder shows traces of the Ranger and Indian fight scene but the serial number and "COLT'S PATENT/MODEL U.S.M.R." markings are no longer visible. The cylinder safety pins are battered and the percussion nipples and rear face of the cylinder show moderate to heavy flash pitting. Only traces of the original silver-plated finish remain on the brass trigger guard and back strap. The trigger guard and back strap have an attractive age patina. The revarnished walnut grip is good overall and shows moderate handling wear. The serial numbers and "COLTS/PATENT" markings are sharp. The barrel legend is light but legible and the cylinder scene is lightly visible. The cylinder does not rotate when the hammer is cocked. This is a solid representative example of a Colt Third Model Dragoon revolver.