The First Model Dragoon is an important descendant of the famous Colt Walker revolver which debuted just one year earlier and was meant for use by the U.S. Mounted Riflemen and U.S. Dragoons and saw use on the western frontier in the antebellum era and on the battlefields of the Civil War in both Union and Confederate hands. This specific revolver was manufactured in 1848, the first year of production, and has a German silver blade front sight, "ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY" reading from the breech towards the muzzle, "COLT'S/PATENT/U.S." on the center left side of the frame (specific to "Walker replacement" revolvers), hammer notch rear sight, and matching serial numbers in small numerals on the loading lever, wedge, arbor pin, cylinder, barrel, frame, and grip straps. The trigger guard and rear grip strap is a reworked Colt Walker, thus making this one of the Walker replacement Dragoons. This revolver is one of the 300 supplied by Colt to the U.S. to replace Walker revolvers that had burst cylinders or failed in service. The grip has traces of cartouches. The right side of the barrel has an additional "R 58" marking of unknown origins.

Good with gray and light brown patina and mild pitting throughout, aged patina on the grip frame, generally distinct markings aside from the cylinder scene, some replaced screws, and general moderate wear. The re-oiled grip is good and has chips at the toe, mild edge wear, and minor dings and scrapes. Mechanically fine.