The Colt Dragoon revolvers are important descendants of the Colt Walker and were important as some of Colt's first revolvers manufactured under contract with the U.S. government. Only 7,000 of these First Models were manufactured around 1848-1850. The three models of Dragoon revolvers were used by the 1st and 2nd Dragoons and Regiment of Mounted Riflemen on the frontier in the antebellum era and during the Civil War. Many of the Dragoons were used during the Civil War as well. There are portraits of Confederate and Union cavalrymen with various Dragoon models. This revolver was manufactured in 1848, the first year of production, and just one year after the Walkers. It features a German silver blade front sight, hammer notch rear sight, and matching numbers visible on the loading lever, wedge, arbor pin, cylinder, barrel, frame, trigger guard, and back strap.

Fair with mottled gray patina and mild pitting throughout, absent wedge spring, some replaced screws, deep aged patina on the grip frame, crack at the toe, and moderate overall wear. The grip is good and has mild handling wear, some small dings and marks, and slight chips at the toe. The time can get off if cocked quickly; otherwise, it functions fine. An attractive well-aged early Colt that certainly has the appearance of a weapon that saw serious use in battle.