This is a solid example of a Colt U.S. Contract Third Model Dragoon Revolver that was manufactured in 1851. The revolver has the distinctive combination of oval brass trigger guard and cylinder with rectangular stops that identify Third Model Dragoon revolvers. The trigger guard and back strap are unfinished brass and the revolver has a one-piece, oil-finished, 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/U.S." is stamped on the left side of the frame in three-lines. Single letter "B" Ordnance sub-inspection marks are stamped on the cylinder, left side of the frame, top of the back strap, trigger guard, and on the left side of the hammer and loading lever. The script initials of the Ordnance Sub-inspector "JCB" are stamped in a rectangle on the lower left side of the grip. The Ordnance final inspection mark which consists of the initials "WAT" enclosed in an oval, is stamped on the lower right side of the grip. The full serial number, "11450", is stamped on the cylinder, the bottom of the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The loading lever is stamped with the partial serial number "1450" and the wedge is numbered "450". .All of the visible serial numbers match. The Ordnance Department purchased 5,386 Colt Third Model Dragoon revolvers between 1851 and 1860. Most of these revolvers saw hard use on the frontier with the U.S. Dragoons and Mounted Rifles and were subsequently used by both sides during the Civil War.

Good. The revolver is a silver-gray patina overall. There is scattered light pitting and patches of age discoloration on the barrel, lever, frame and hammer. The cylinder has been heavily cleaned and shows buffing marks. Only traces of the Ranger and Indian scene and "Colt's Patent' markings remain visible on the cylinder. The brass trigger guard and back strap have an attractive patina. The bottom of the back strap and grip have numerous small dents, The grip is in good overall condition with light-moderate handling wear and legible Ordnance inspection marks. The Colt markings, serial numbers and Ordnance sub-inspection marks on all the components except the cylinder, are fully legible. The action functions well. The majority of the U.S. contract Dragoon revolvers saw hard frontier service prior to the Civil War. As a result, these revolvers are rarely found with any original finish. This is a solid example of a scarce and historically significant U.S. contract Colt Third Model Dragoon revolver