Manufactured in 1852. This commercial production Dragoon revolver has the distinctive combination of rounded trigger guard and rectangular cylinder stops that distinguish Third Model revolvers from the First and Second Model Dragoon pistols. The revolver has a part round/part octagon barrel with nickel silver front sight blade, brass silver-plated trigger guard and back strap and one-piece ivory grip. The top barrel flat is roll stamped with the legend "{ ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY}" reading toward the breech. The left side of the frame is roll stamped: "COLTS/PATENT/U.S." in small letters (the "U.S." marking on Dragoon revolvers does not denote a government contract pistol without the presence of Ordnance sub-inspection marks and other military features). The serial number, "12052", is located on the bottom of the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard and side of the cylinder. The cylinder serial number is probably a re-stamp. The partial serial number, "2052" is stamped on cylinder arbor pin and loading lever. The wedge is number "542". There is no serial number on the back strap. The big hard-hitting Colt Dragoon revolvers were a popular sidearm on the frontier during the 1850s. Many civilian Dragoon revolvers were subsequently used in the Civil War. As a result of this popularity and hard use the historic Colt Dragoon revolvers typically show considerable service wear.

Good. The revolver retains 25% of the original finish with the balance mainly an even patina. The barrel, loading lever and cylinder have a dark patina with light-moderate pitting. The barrel shows some holster wear at the muzzle. The wedge screw is battered. The barrel legend is faint but legible. None of the roll engraved Ranger and Indian scene or patent markings remain visible on the cylinder. The rear face of the cylinder and percussion nipple have light-moderate flash pitting; five of the six safety pins remain intact. The case colors on the frame and hammer have a silver gray patina with scattered patches of age discoloration and light pitting. The patent markings on the left side of the frame are completely legible. All of the serial numbers are crisp. The brass trigger guard and back strap retain 40% of the silver plated finish. The ivory grip remains good with moderate handling wear. The ivory has a mellow patina and shows minimal shrinkage. The butt has the hairline age cracks typically found on old ivory. The action is tight and functions well. This a good looking example of a hard to find Colt Third Model Dragoon revolver with rarely encountered ivory grip.