Only an estimated 2,700 Second Model Dragoons revolvers were manufactured from 1850 to 1851 compared to 7,000 of the First Model Dragoons and 10,500 Third Model Dragoons. They are thus by far the rarest of the primary Colt Dragoon revolvers, and offered here is an exceptionally rare cased pair. U.S. contract Colt Dragoon revolvers were used primarily by the First and Second Dragoon Regiments and the Regiment of Mounted Riflemen. This set was most certainly specially made for a prominent U.S. Army officer and have remained together over the last 170 years. The combination of rectangular cylinder stops and square-back brass trigger guard clearly identify the revolver as a Second Model Dragoon. The barrels feature a German silver blade front sight and are stamped “-ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY-" on the top flat. The left side of the frames are stamped with a “B” inspection mark followed by “COLT’S/PATENT/U.S.” Additional inspection marks (generally the letter “B”) are also featured on most of the other major components. The cylinders have the Texas Ranger and Indian fight scene along with "MODEL U.S.M.R./COLT'S PATENT" marking. Each revolver has matching full or partial serial numbers on the frame, barrel, trigger guard, back strap, cylinder, wedge, loading lever, and arbor pin. Each nicely figured walnut grip has two script letter U.S. cartouches: “JCB” on the left side and “WAT” on the right side. The partitioned case holds both revolvers and contains a double face military/patriotic themed “COLTS/PATENT” powder flask, “L” shaped combination tool, five extra percussion nipples, sealed package of 6 combustible envelope .44-100 inch caliber cartridges, two cavity brass bullet mold marked “COLTS/PATENT” on the iron sprue cutter and U.S. inspection marked “WAT” on the side, some lead balls and conical bullets, and Eley Brothers cap tin. This extraordinary set was formerly in the Albert Foster, Jr. collection and William M. Locke collection and is pictured and identified in “COLTS from the William M. Locke Collection” on page 22, “The William M. Locke Collection” on page 51 and R.L. Wilson’s “The Book of Colt Firearms” on page 89. Awarded the coveted NRA Silver Medal (absent) in 1990 when displayed by Richard Ellis from his collection. U.S. Colt Dragoon revolvers saw hard use during the Mexican–American War and Civil War; thus, higher condition examples are highly sought after and rarely encountered, let alone as a cased high condition pair.

Excellent, retaining 90% original blue finish with thinning to brown on the balance. All of the cylinder scene remains. The markings are clear. 90% original case colors remain on the hammer and frame, and strong traces of original case colors remain on the loading lever, otherwise faded to a gray. The grip straps have an attractive appearance. The highly figured grip is also excellent with some minor handling marks and clear cartouches and “B” inspection marks. Mechanically excellent. The case is fine with minor handling/storage marks on the exterior and typical high spot wear on the lining. The powder flask retains 90% original brown lacquer and 95% original gilt. The combination tool retains some traces of original niter blue. The bullet mold has a bright appearance on the body, some pitting on the sprue cutter and clear markings. The package of cartridges remains sealed and has clear printing. An extremely rare documented cased pair of U.S. issued Colt 2nd Model Dragoons in exceptional condition that will be a stand out addition to any Colt or U.S. martial collection.

As described in "A."

Excellent, retaining 90% original blue finish with thinning to brown on the balance. All of the cylinder scene remains. The markings are clear. 90% original case colors remain on the frame, hammer and loading lever. The grip straps have an attractive appearance. The grip is excellent with some minor handling marks and clear cartouches and "B" inspection marks. Mechanically excellent.