Lot 226: Colt Third Model Dragoon Percussion Revolver U.S. Marked Frame

This is an example of a Colt Third Model Dragoon revolver that was manufactured in 1851. Although the revolver has a "US" marked frame, it has silver plated grip straps instead of the polished grip straps found on military contract Dragoons and "O" inspector markings instead of military contract "P" inspector letters, which makes this revolver a civilian model. Also note that the grip does not have military contract cartouches. The revolver has the round brass trigger guard and rectangular cylinder stops found on Third Model Dragoons. The top flat of the barrel is marked "{ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW YORK CITY}", and the left side of the frame is marked "COLTS/PATENT" over "U.S." The cylinder is roll engraved with the Ranger and Indian battle scene and marked "MODEL U.S.M.R./COLT'S PATENT". Matching numbers are found on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, back strap, cylinder, loading lever and arbor pin. The barrel wedge is numbered "505," one digit away from the frame serial number. Standard brass blade front and hammer notch rear sights and one-piece grip. With the revolver is a December 2009 letter from the Tombstone Western Heritage Museum Curator and President Stephen K. Elliott stating that this revolver was from the General Richard Braund estate. General Braund of Elroy, Wisconsin, served in the National Guard and was an aid to the governor.

Very good. The revolver has a dark mottled patina. half of the original cylinder scene remain. The grip straps retain heavy amounts of original silver plating in the protected areas and on the butt. The exposed brass has an attractive patina. The butt screw is a replacement, and a pin has replaced the hammer screw. Mechanically excellent.