Lot 1078: Scarce U.S. Walker Replacement Dragoon Revolver (Fluck Dragoon)

Manufactured in 1848. Colt historians identified these revolvers as replacements for the 300 Model 1847 Walker Colt revolvers that failed in government service and are serial numbered in the approximate number range of 2216-2515 with known examples as high as serial number 2728. This revolver has the tiny serial numbers used on Walker Colt revolvers, "COLTS/PATENT/U.S." marking centered on the left side of the frame and wider Walker style trigger guard that identify the Walker replacement Dragoon revolvers. The top barrel flat is roll stamped with the larger Walker style marking: "-ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY-." The barrel legend slightly over-laps the barrel flat at either end. The Walker replacement Dragoons were manufactured as part of the Second Contract between Colt and the Ordnance Department for 1,000 pistols dated November 2, 1847. These revolvers were procured for issue to the Mounted Rifle regiment. The Mounted Rifle regiment was ordered to the Pacific Northwest in 1849. Following the discovery of gold in California in 1849, large numbers of the regiment deserted with their weapons and horses for the California gold fields. The remainder of the regiment saw several years of hard service in Washington, Oregon and California. All early production U.S. Colt Dragoon revolvers are rare but the Walker replacement Dragoons are a distinct and desirable First Model Dragoon variation. In addition to the Walker replacement features, this revolver has the oval cylinder stops and square-back trigger guard that identify it as a First Model Dragoon revolver along with a V-shaped trigger spring and a single cylinder safety pin. The cylinder has the Ranger and Indian fight scene and "MODEL U.S.M.R./COLT'S PATENT". A small "P" Ordnance sub-inspection mark is stamped on the left side of the barrel lug, cylinder, trigger guard and back strap. The full serial number is on the barrel lug, frame, cylinder, trigger guard and back strap. The serial number on the trigger guard is stamped on either side of the screw. The partial serial number "557" is stamped on the cylinder pin and the loading lever is numbered "243" using the same tiny numbers as the other components. The wedge is not numbered. The revolver is accompanied by a 1971 dated GUN REPORT advertisement from Fort Carson Antique Guns that list it as "Colt 1st Model Fluck Dragoon".

Fair. The extensively restored revolver has been cleaned and the barrel has been professionally aged to an attractive gray patina. The re-engraved barrel legend, Ordnance sub-inspection marks and serial numbers are crisp. There is some braising and light pitting visible on the sides of the barrel lug and right side of the loading lever. The front sight is a replacement. The frame has a silver-gray patina with light flash pitting on the right side and in the cap cut-out and hammer well. The "COLTS/PATENT/U.S." markings are light. The cylinder retains a lightly visible scene with faint markings. There is welding repair evidence on the front and rear face of the cylinder and scattered pitting on the front and rear edges. The single safety pin is battered but intact. The hammer has moderate-heavy flash pitting. The brass grip straps have been polished but have developed some aged patina. The grip has moderate handling wear but remains good overall. The Ordnance sub-inspection and final inspection marks stamped on the lower sides of the grip have worn away. This is a good-looking example of the very rare and desirable Colt U.S. Walker Replacement Dragoon revolver that would be a worthy addition to any advanced collection of Colt or U.S. martial firearms.