This is a solid representative example of a Colt U.S. Contract Second Model Dragoon revolver that was manufactured in 1851. The revolver has the distinctive combination of a square back brass trigger guard and cylinder with rectangular stops that identify Second 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 "H" Ordnance sub-inspection marks are stamped on the bottom of the barrel lug, cylinder, left side of the hammer and the top of the back strap. The Ordnance Sub-Inspection mark which consists of script initials "PH" in a rectangle is stamped 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, "10173", is stamped on the bottom of the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The loading lever is stamped with the partial serial number "10054", and the cylinder is stamped with the partial serial numbers "9354". At least part of the two Ordnance Department contracts for a total of 3,000 Dragoon Model revolvers dated February 4, 1850, and May 8, 1851, were filled with Second Model Dragoon revolvers. Total production of the Second Model Dragoon revolver was only about 2,700 pieces. Most of the U.S. Contract Second Model Dragoon 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.

Very good plus. The revolver retains at least 20% of the original blue and color casehardened finish with a very attractive, silver-gray patina. The crisp original surfaces of the barrel, loading lever, frame and cylinder are smooth with minimal handling marks. There is some light flash pitting on the sides of the hammer and on the percussion nipples. The mismatched number cylinder retains nearly all of the Ranger and Indian fight scene. The brass back strap and trigger guard have been lightly polished but remain in good overall condition. The barrel and frame markings and serial numbers are crisp. The one-piece walnut grip has a repaired crack that runs through both sides and some compression marks on the left side. The Ordnance inspection marks on the sides of the grip are fine, and the grip retains most of the original oil finish. The action is crisp and functions well. This example of a scarce and very desirable U.S. Contract Colt Second Model Dragoon revolver would nicely fit into one's collection!