Lot 1083: Colt Third Model Dragoon Percussion Revolver

This Commercial production Colt Third Model Dragoon Revolver was manufactured c.1860. This late production revolver has the combination of square cylinder stops and rounded trigger guard that identify it as a Third Model Dragoon revolver. The six-shot cylinder is roll-engraved with the Ranger and Indian battle scene and "U.S. DRAGOONS/COLT'S PATENT" on either side of the cylinder. The "U.S. DRAGOONS" marking is a scarce variation, most Colt Dragoon cylinders were roll-engraved "U.S.M.R./COLTS PATENT". The part-round/part-octagon barrel has a nickel-silver front sight blade and the top barrel flat is roll-stamped: "- ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY-" in one line reading toward the breech. "COLTS/PATENT" is stamped in two lines on the left side of the frame. The full serial number is stamped on the: (1) bottom of the barrel lug, (2) bottom of the frame, (3) trigger guard, (4) back strap and (5) cylinder. The loading lever is stamped with the partial serial number "9033". All of the visible serial numbers match. The revolver has a blued barrel and cylinder, casehardened loading lever, frame and hammer, and silver-plated brass back strap and trigger guard. The frame screws and protected areas of the wedge show traces of the fiery niter blue finish. The one-piece walnut grip has a high polish varnish finish.

Very good plus. This revolver is all original and retains 30% of the blue, casehardened and silver-plated finish. The barrel has a dark patina with small amounts of the original blue finish visible on the underside beneath the loading lever and on the sides of the lug surrounding the wedge. The exposed portions of the barrel have some shallow surface texture. The barrel legend is faint. The cylinder has a mottled silver-gray patina with scattered spots of age discoloration and light pitting. The Ranger and Indian battle scene and "U.S. DRAGOONS/COLT'S PATENT" markings are 30% intact. The percussion nipples and rear face of the cylinder show only light-moderate flash pitting and all of the cylinder pins are intact. The loading lever, frame and hammer retain patterns of the faded case colors and are generally free from pitting and age discoloration. The "COLTS/PATENT" marking on the left side of the frame is clear. The trigger guard and back strap retain 60% of the silver-plated finish with wear on contact points. The grip is fine with a very worn chip on the right front heel. The remainder of the grip shows moderate handling wear and retains half of the original varnish finish. The action is tight and functions well. This is a superior example of a late production Colt Third Model Dragoon with rarely encountered "U.S. DRAGOONS" marked cylinder.