The Third Model Dragoon was manufactured from around 1851 to 1861 and was the last of the large Colt "revolving horse pistols" that descended from famous Colt Walker and were replaced by the more streamlined Model 1860 Army. Many of these revolvers saw hard use by settlers and outlaws on the frontier and were also used by soldiers on both sides during the Civil War. Many were privately purchased civilian sales revolvers like this one. Production was limited to an estimated 10,500 making it one of the rarer Colt percussion revolver models. Examples in 8 inch are very rarely found. All 8 inch models are found above serial number 18000 and less than 200 are estimated to have been manufactured in this scarce barrel length. The serial number dates it to 1860 which make purchased by a Southerner possible. It has a German silver blade front sight, the one-line New York address, "COLTS/PATENT" on the left side of the frame, no visible markings on the cylinder, and matching serial numbers on the remaining components.

Fair with patches of original silver plating in the protected areas, aged patinas on the silver and brass, and dark brown patina, patches of mild to heavy pitting, and some oxidation on the balance. Mechanically fine. While this revolver may be a bit rough, it is a very rare variation within the iconic Colt Dragoon series, and its condition reflects the fact that it was likely used hard during the Civil War.