Only 4,000 of this variation are estimated to have been produced, and this is easily one of the finest "Wells Fargo" revolvers we have seen. It has the distinctive 3 inch barrel with no provisions for a loading lever and a solid lug without loading slots. The origin of the variation is not known, but the design is of course in keeping with the Model 1849s predecessor, the Model 1848 Dragoon. It is likely there were requests for revolvers based on that pattern which was easier to conceal. It was manufactured in 1855 and has the standard cone and hammer notch sights, "{ADDRESS SAML COLT/NEW-YORK CITY}" on the barrel, "COLTS/PATENT" marked on the left side of the frame, the stage coach holdup scene on the cylinder, and matching serial numbers on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, back strap, cylinder, wedge, and arbor pin.

Very fine with 85% plus strong deep original blue finish on the barrel, 40% original blue on the cylinder and 85% plus original case colors on the frame. The grip straps exhibit 95% original silver plating. The beautiful grip is very fine and has most of the original varnished finish some light edge wear and some minor warping. Mechanically excellent. Rare in any condition, a collector could spend a lifetime trying to find 105597's equal.