This Colt U.S. Contract 1st Model Dragoon Revolver was manufactured c. 1849. This revolver was part of the third Ordnance Department contract for 1000 Dragoon Model revolvers to arm the Second Dragoon Regiment. The Third Contract revolvers, serial numbered 5000-6500, were delivered to the New York Ordnance Depot between July 1, 1849 and June 30, 1850. The Second Dragoons were issued 815 Third Contract revolvers in 1850. The remaining 185 Third Contract revolvers remained in Ordnance stores for subsequent issue. The Third Contract revolvers cylinders were roll-stamped "U.S. DRAGOONS" rather than "U.S.M.R.". The Third Contract, First Model Colt Dragoon revolvers were the only Colt Dragoon revolvers to bear this unique marking. This revolver has a 7 1/2-inch part round/part-octagon barrel with brass front sight blade. The six-shot cylinder has the oval cylinder stop slots which identify First Dragoon revolvers and a single safety pin. The revolver has the distinctive square-back trigger guard; only First Model Dragoon revolvers had the combination of oval cylinder stop slots and a square back-trigger guard. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped: "{ ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY}" reading toward the muzzle. The cylinder is roll-engraved with the Ranger and Indian fight scene and "W.L. Ormsby Sc. N.Y." along with the highly desirable "U.S. DRAGOONS/COLT'S PATENT". The left side of the frame is roll-stamped "COLTS/PATENT" in two lines above a "U.S." property mark. The serial number is stamped in tiny numerals on the bottom of the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard, back strap and cylinder. The partial serial number "482" is stamped on the bottom of the cylinder pin and the loading lever. All of the visible serial numbers match. The wedge is not serial numbered. The left side of the one-piece walnut grip is stamped with a rectangle enclosing the script initials of the Ordnance Sub-Inspector "JH". The lower right side of the grip is stamped with the script "WAT" initials of the Ordnance final inspector enclosed in an oval. The left grip heel is stamped with a "K" Ordnance sub-inspection mark, "N" sub-inspection marks are stamped on the upper left side of the grip, top of the back strap, bottom of the trigger guard, left front of the frame, top of the cylinder, top barrel flat and left side of the loading lever. The revolver originally had a military blue finish on the barrel, bright finished cylinder and color case-hardened loading lever, frame and hammer. The back strap and trigger guard were natural brass finish and the one-piece walnut grip was oil finished. The First Model Dragoon revolvers were issued with a Colt power flask specifically designed for the Dragoon revolvers. This revolver is complete with a the Ordnance inspected Colt Dragoon size, plunger charger, powder flask originally issued with U.S. Contract First Model Dragoon revolvers. The top of the flask has a bullet compartment marked "COLTS/PATENT" on the lid. Triangular rings are attached to the sides of the flask. Both sides of the flask body are embossed with the cannon, mortar, of flags and trophies motif with "COLT'S PATENT" in a ribbon. The top of the flask is stamped with a small script "WAT" Ordnance final inspection mark and "B" sub-inspection mark. Included with the revolver is a pre-Civil War civilian belt holster for a Dragoon revolver. The holster has a full military style flap with strap and tab closure and sewn belt loop. The Ordnance inspected Colt Dragoon powder flask and 1850s Dragoon holster are rare. The Second Dragoon Regiment was stationed on the Texas and Kansas frontier between 1847 and 1861 and the weapons issued to the regiment saw hard service. The Colt Dragoon revolvers were popular handguns on the frontier; many of the original military-issue Dragoons saw years of subsequent civilian use.

Very good plus. The revolver is all original and fully functional. The revolver has an attractive smooth silver-gray finish with traces of the original blue and case colors in protected areas. The "U.S. DRAGOON/COLT'S PATENT" markings and Ranger and Indian fight scene on the cylinder are extremely sharp and nearly 100% intact. The rear face of the cylinder and percussion nipples show minimal flash pitting. The single safety pin is intact. There is scattered flash pitting on the sides of the hammer and in the hammer well and traces of pitting on the sides of the frame. The Colt legend, serial numbers, patent markings, "U.S." property mark and Ordnance sub-inspection marks are all sharp. The brass trigger guard and back strap have a good-looking patina. The grip is fine with clear Ordnance inspection marks and minimal handling wear. The action is crisp and functions perfectly. The U.S. inspected powder flask is complete and in fair condition. The brass top and charger have a dark patina with some scattered dents and scratches. The flask body has a deep brown patina with high-point wear on the embossing. There is an old repair on the seam on the flask bottom and the flask body has scattered small dents and scratches. The holster is in fair overall condition with moderate cracking and flaking on exterior. The stitching on the holster body is tight and the flap retains the original tab. The belt loop shows wear and a period rawhide repair. This is a really fine example of a scarce Colt 1st Model Dragoon revolver with highly desirable "U.S. DRAGOONS" roll marking on the cylinder complete with the equally scarce U.S. inspected Colt Dragoon powder flask and pre-Civil War full flap civilian holster for a Colt Dragoon revolver. Provenance: The Corner Stone Collection.