This is a rare example of a Factory Panel Scene Engraved Colt Third Model Dragoon revolver that was manufactured in 1852. The revolver has the combination of oval brass trigger guard and rectangular cylinder stops that identify Third Model Dragoon revolvers. The revolver is factory engraved with the early Hartford "donut scroll" style engraving and features a game scene in an oval panel on either side of the rear flats of the barrel. The engraving covers the sides and bottom of the barrel lug, frame, hammer, trigger guard, sides of the loading lever and back strap. The barrel lug, frame, trigger guard and back strap are stamped with a dot or center-punch mark above or below the serial number which indicates that the components were factory selected for special finish and handling. The brass trigger guard and back strap are silver plated and the one-piece grip is well-figured walnut. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the legend "{ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY}" with engraved borders. A non-factory applied number "F105" is stamped on the cylinder and trigger guard. The full serial number, "12384" is stamped in small numerals on the bottom of the barrel lug, frame, cylinder, trigger guard and back strap. The partial serial number, "384" is stamped on the loading lever and wedge. All of the visible serial numbers match. Colt revolvers with the early Hartford "donut scroll" engraving are rare. This revolver is mentioned in R.L. Wilson's book THE BOOK OF COLT ENGRAVING by serial number as one of the few Dragoons observed with the rare donut scroll with panel scene engraving (page 29).

Fair. The revolver has traces of the original silver-plated finish on the trigger guard and back strap but no finish remains on the other components. The barrel, frame, cylinder and hammer have a silver-gray patina. There is heavy pitting present on the barrel, cylinder and loading lever. The game scenes on the sides of the barrel are only partially identifiable. The cylinder and the left side of the frame have heavy pitting; the patent markings on the frame are no longer visible and none of the cylinder scene is identifiable. The engraving on the rear portion of the frame, recoil shields, trigger guard and back strap is clear. The grip is very good with traces of the varnish finish present. This revolver remains a very rare and desirable example of a very early documented factory engraved Colt Third Model Dragoon revolver with Hartford "donut scroll" engraving.