This revolver was manufactured in 1849 and has the distinctive combination of oval cylinder stops and square-back brass trigger guard which identify it as a First Model Dragoon revolver, and it falls within the range of the 1,000 Third Contract revolvers manufactured by Colt for the U.S. Ordnance Department. A total of 815 of these Dragoon revolvers were issued to the 2nd Dragoons stationed in Texas and New Mexico. The "U.S. DRAGOONS" marking on the cylinder is rare and found only on U.S. and commercial First Dragoon revolvers in the 5000-6000 serial number range. Only a total of around 7,000 First Model Dragoons were manufactured in 1848-1850. The barrel has a German silver front sight, "{A[sight dovetail] SS SAML COLT NEW YORK CITY}," and a block rear sight with a groove. The cylinder has the noted "U.S. DRAGOONS" marking, the standard cylinder scene, and oval stops. The frame has "COLT'S/PATENT/U.S." on the left. Multiple components have small inspection marks. The grip has traces of cartouches on each side. Matching partial or full serial numbers are on the loading lever, barrel, cylinder pin, cylinder, frame, grip straps, and back strap mortise of the grip (in pencil), and the wedge is a replacement marked "070."

Very good plus. There are traces of original blue finish on the bottom of the barrel. Otherwise, the barrel, frame, and cylinder display mostly mottled gray patina throughout and have some mild pitting, general moderate wear, and mostly distinct markings and fine, legible original cylinder scene. The brass has attractive natural aged patina, some verdigris, and dings and marks concentrated on the butt. The re-oiled grip has chipping at the corners, traces of the cartouches, and scattered minor scrapes and dings. Mechanically fine. A solid representative example!