This U.S. Contract Colt Model 1848 Dragoon Revolver was manufactured c. 1859. The revolver has the combination of rectangular cylinder stops and round brass trigger guard that identify it as a Third Model Dragoon. In addition, the revolver has a factory three-leaf rear sight dove-tail mounted on the top barrel flat, yoke cut-outs in the frame recoil shields, four screw-frame with elongated screws to engage the detachable stock yoke and steel back strap with slot for engaging the stock clamp. Under the Ninth Contract with the Ordnance Department, Colt manufactured 932 Third Dragoon revolvers and 464 shoulder stocks. These pistols were delivered to the Army between July 1, 1858 and June 30, 1859. The 2nd Dragoon Regiment was issued 924 pistols and 462 stocks (two pistols and one stock per Dragoon) in 1859 for the Mormon Expedition. In addition to the folding leaf rear sight, the half-round/half-octagon barrel has a nickel-silver front sight blade. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped: "-ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY-" reading toward the breech. This marking is partially obscured by the sight dove-tail. The left side of the frame is roll-stamped: "COLTS/PATENT/U.S." in three lines - the "U.S. marking has been deliberately obliterated. The cylinder is roll-engraved with the Ranger and Indian fight scene and "MODEL U.S.M.R./COLTS PATENT" on either side of the serial number. Small single letter Ordnance sub-inspection marks are stamped on major revolver components. These marks include a "C" on the left barrel flat, left side of the barrel lug, and back strap, "S" on the cylinder, "M" on the back strap and left shoulder on the trigger guard and "A" on the right grip heel. Faint and illegible oval Ordnance final inspection and sub-inspection marks are stamped on both sides of the one-piece walnut grip. The full serial number is stamped on: (1) the barrel lug, (2) frame, (3) trigger guard, (4) back strap and (5) cylinder. The loading lever is stamped with the partial serial number "7362". All of the visible serial numbers match. The barrel, cylinder and steel back strap have the Colt military blue finish. The loading lever, frame and hammer are casehardened and the brass trigger guard has a natural finish.

Very good. It retains 25% of the original blue and casehardened finish on protected areas of the barrel, loading lever and frame. The balance on the revolver has a smooth, silver-gray, patina. Metal surfaces show scattered scratches and dents but are generally free from pitting. The cylinder safety pins are battered but intact. The cylinder retains most of the original roll-engraved markings and Ranger and Indian fight scene. With the exception of the deliberately obliterated "U.S." mark on the left side of the frame, the patent marks, Ordnance sub-inspection marks, and serial numbers are crisp. The grip is fair-good overall with moderate handling wear and faint but visible Ordnance inspection marks. The action functions well. Colt U.S. Contract Third Model Dragoon revolvers with leaf sights and four screw frame among the most desirable and difficult to obtain variation of the Model 1848 Dragoon revolver.