Only 800 Dragoon Model Wesson & Leavitt revolvers were manufactured by the Massachusetts Arms Company in 1850-1851 based on patents by Edwin Wesson and Daniel Leavitt until a patent infringement suit won by Colt halted production. Leavitt's patent was granted less than a year after Colt and well-before Colt had become a successful arms manufacturer and related to the beveled face on these firearms which directs the flash away from the other chambers to help prevent chain fires. Daniel Wesson, continuing his brother's business after his death in 1849, of course later went on to form Colt's main competitor in the revolving firearms market with Horace Smith who was also involved in the Mass. Arms Co. This example is marked with matching serial number on the recoil shield, left side rear of the frame, front of the grip, and top of the back strap. The barrel lug has the assembly number "639." It is also marked with "MASS. ARMS CO./CHICOPEE FALLS" on the top strap, "LEAVITTS PATENTS APRIL 29.1837" on the rear face of the cylinder, "WESSONS' PATENT AUG. 28. 1849" on the bevel gear, and "WESSON'S & LEAVITT'S PATENTS" on the lock plate. It has a brass blade front sight, a small notch rear sight, and a smooth varnished walnut grip with a non-factory, possibly U.S. Cartridge Company number 1495 stamped vertically on top left grip. Writer found a number of this type in the aforementioned inventory, but cannot verify.