The Third Model Dragoon was the most widely used of the large Colt percussion revolvers and can be distinguished by its round trigger guard. Around 10,500 were manufactured over roughly a decade staring around 1851, and many were used in the Civil War. They were the last of Colt's massive "horse pistols" that began with the famous Colt Walker. This revolver was manufactured in 1858 and is one of around 1,200 to 1,500 designed for use with a shoulder stock and has the "four screw" (actually five screw) frame with cuts in the recoil shield and a notch in the butt for use with the third pattern shoulder stocks. The barrel has a German silver blade front sight, added three-leaf rear sight (helpful if you wanted to use the revolver as a carbine), and the New York address. The cylinder has the standard roll scene. The frame has "COLTS/PATENT/U.S." on the left, and there are small inspector markings throughout. The wedge has a more recent "98" marking on the top, and the rest of the components have matching serial numbers. The back strap mortise of the grip is marked with the serial number once in black ink and once in pencil. The grip also has a lightly visible cartouche on the left center, struck higher than usual.

Very good with mostly crisp gray and brown patina throughout, some mild pitting, attractive aged patina on the grip frame, replaced wedge and loading lever catch, generally crisp markings, fine original cylinder scene, and moderate overall wear. The grip is good with a chip at the toe on the left, repaired crack through the central "rib," general dings and scrapes, rub wear from mounting a shoulder stock, and some divots in the butt. Mechanically fine.