The Third Model Dragoon revolvers are the last of the large .44 caliber Colt "revolving holster pistols" that began with the famous Colt Walker in 1847. This revolver was manufactured in 1859 under contract with the U.S. government. Most of these revolvers saw hard use on the frontier with the 1st and 2nd Dragoons and U.S. Regiment of Mounted Riflemen and were subsequently used by both sides during the Civil War. U.S. issued Dragoons in high condition are hard to find. The revolver has the round brass trigger guard and rectangular cylinder stops found on Third Model Dragoons. The top flat of the barrel is marked "-ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW YORK CITY-" and has a German silver blade front sight. The left side of the frame is marked "COLT'S/PATENT/U.S." The cylinder has the Indian fight scene and the desirable "U.S. DRAGOONS" marking. Matching serial numbers are found on the loading lever, cylinder, arbor pin, barrel, frame, trigger guard, back strap, and rear mortise of the grip (properly hand-written in black ink). The wedge is marked within the same serial number range, "8287," and may have been swapped during the period of use. It matches the condition of the revolver. The grip also has a distinct "ADK" cartouche on the left and crisp "WAT" cartouche on the right, and small inspection marks are found on various parts. The left side of the front grip strap is stamped "Court Myers.17 JUNE 1901." The significance of this marking is not clear.

Very fine with 70% original case colors, 60% original blue finish on the barrel, attractive natural aged patina on the grip frame, smooth gray and brown patina on the balance, mostly distinct roll-scene along with fairly distinct markings and all solid safety pins on the cylinder, minor oxidation, and most of the wear from age and storage rather than use. The grip is very fine and has smooth oiled finish, distinct cartouches, light edge wear, and a few minor dings. Mechanically excellent. This is certainly among the finest U.S. Third Model Colt Dragoons we have in the auction. All of the massive Colt Dragoon revolvers are rarely found with considerable original finish, especially the U.S. contract pieces, given they saw hard use on the western frontier and then in the Civil War.