Manufactured circa 1853, this is a nice example of 1 of 700 Third Model Hartford London Dragoon revolvers manufactured by Colt for sale in England between 1853 and 1857. These Dragoons were serial numbered in there own range of 1 to 700. Its believed that the basic manufacturing of these Dragoons was done in Hartford, and most were finished at the London factory. This is evident by the English style scroll engraving, engraving found only on the Hartford English Dragoons, and the varnished grips. Of the 700 Hartford London Dragoons, it is estimated that about 150 were engraved. In 1861, 73 engraved Hartford London Dragoons were shipped to Joseph C. Grubb & Company in Philadelphia, and in the same year, approximately 200 (many engraved) were returned to Harford to be used in the Civil War. The top barrel flat has the rare hand engraved marking: "COL. COLT LONDON". The revolver is engraved with delicate understated British style scrollwork and floral designs on the barrel muzzle and lug, the loading lever, frame, recoil shields, hammer, back strap and trigger guard. "COLT'S PATENT" is hand engraved in a scroll on the left side of the frame. The cylinder is roll-engraved with the standard Ranger and Indian fight scene and "COLT'S PATENT/U.S.M.R." markings. The back strap is period hand punch dot engraved "Capt. Brown" and the front strap "U.S.A." Since 200 Hartford English Dragoons were sent back to the U.S. for use in the Civil War, that would in part explain the inscription. The serial number, "129", is stamped on the loading lever, barrel lug, frame, trigger guard, back strap and cylinder. All of the visible serial numbers match. "1" is stamped above the serial number on the barrel lug, "2" is stamped below the serial number on the trigger guard, "4" below the serial number on the back strap and "5" after the serial number on the cylinder; the significance of these additional numbers is unknown. London "Crown/V" and "Crown/GP" view and proof marks are stamped on the left side of the barrel lug and above each cylinder chamber. This revolver is pictured and identified by serial number and the case on page 234 of "The Colt Engraving Book" by R.L. Wilson and on page 61 (again in the case but with a replacement grip for the original varnished walnut) of "Samuel Colt Presents" by R.L. Wilson. The revolver is complete with a British style Colt case and accessories. The oak case has a round brass plate inlaid in the middle of the lid, brass screw reinforcements and brass hook latches. The interior is lined with dark blue felt and has seven compartments. The case contains: a combination screwdriver/nipple wrench, brass straight leg double cavity bullet mold with iron sprue cutter marked "COLTS/PATENT", oil bottle stamped "S/2021," Eastman's key grease tin and medium sized bag-shaped powder flask with brown lacquer body and gold plated top and adjustable charger marked "J.BARLOW/PATENT".

Fine. The revolver barrel, loading lever, frame, cylinder and hammer have a silver-gray patina. There is some scattered light pitting on the top of the barrel. The front edges of the frame, forcing cone, percussion nipples and rear face of the cylinder have light flash pitting. The brass trigger guard and back strap retain 80% of the silver plated finish. "USA" is finely etched vertically on front grip strap. Only traces of the roll-engraved Colt markings are visible on the cylinder. The perfectly executed English scroll and floral engraving remains sharp. The engraved Colt address and patent markings on the barrel and frame are crisp. The London proof and view marks are sharp. The well figured walnut grip remains in very good condition with moderate handling wear. The action is tight and functions well. The case exterior is very good overall with a small chip in the lid. The interior is fine; lining wear is limited to some compression marks form the cylinder and the usual tears from the hammer and front sight. With the exception of the excellent powder flask, the accessories are very good. This is a fine example of a rare and desirable Colt factory engraved and cased Third Model Hartford London Dragoon revolver as documented in "The Colt Engraving Book". Provenance: The John Fox Collection.