First Model Dragoons are general listed in the 1000-8000 serial number range from 1848-1850 and are very rare and early Colts. They are important to collectors of antique American revolvers in general and Colts in particular as one of Samuel Colt's large "holster pistols" descended from the famous Colt Walker. Like the other Dragoons, they were used in the antebellum era on the frontier and also saw considerable use during the Civil War. This revolver's serial number falls within the early Second Model Dragoon range from 1850, but the revolver clearly has the First Model cylinder with oval stops and the corresponding oval stop tab. The cylinder has the rare and desirable "U.S. DRAGOONS" marking. There is also a "0" above or below the matching serial numbers on the loading lever, barrel, frame, and trigger guard, and a "K" is stamped next to the front trigger guard screw. The cylinder, arbor pin, and butt also have the matching serial number. A cleanly cut script "T" is on the left side of the grip and inside the rear grip mortise, and a more crude "D" is carved into the right. A faint number in pencil is in the bottom mortise. The barrel has a German silver front sight blade and "-ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY." The frame has "COLT'S/PATENT/U.S." on the left. "U.S." is found on many civilian/commercial First Model Dragoons in addition to many of the revolvers sold to the government. The left shoulder of the squareback trigger guard has "S1" which has been seen on other commercial Dragoons. The barrel and cylinder were blued. The loading lever, frame, and hammer were casehardened, and the brass grip frame was silver plated.

Very good plus, well used and well cared for with 50% original silver plating on the trigger guard, traces of original silver on the back strap, dark bluish case colors on the rear sections of the loading lever, mix of gray and brown patina on the balance of the steel along with sections of moderate pitting, aged patina on the brass, pins and a seam on the heel, and general moderate overall wear emblematic of honest period use. The grip is very good and has a variety of small dents, strong finish, some loss at the heel and toe, and moderate overall wear. Mechanically fine. Overall a solid commercial Colt First Model Dragoon with the very desirable "U.S. DRAGOONS" marking on the cylinder. Provenance: The John Fox Collection.