Around 7,000 First Model Dragoons were manufactured in 1848-1850, and they are important as one of the massive "horse pistols" manufactured by Colt following the famous Colt Walker revolvers of 1847. Like the other Dragoon models, they were used in the antebellum era on the frontier and also saw considerable use during the Civil War. This revolver dates to 1849 and has the rare and desirable "U.S. DRAGOONS" marking on the cylinder rather than the more common U.S.M.R. marking. As discussed in the included letter from Colt firearms expert Herb Glass, it was owned by Colonel Arcadi Gluckman and offered for sale by him in December 1950. Given this, it is likely the second revolver on page 18 of "U.S. Martial Pistols and Revolvers" by Gluckman. The barrel has a German silver blade front sight and "-ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW YORK CITY-" reading towards the muzzle. The cylinder also has the Texas Ranger and Indian running battle scene and the correct oval stop slots and single safety pin. The frame has "COLT'S/PATENT/U.S." on the left (last "S" double stamped). There are also small markings that look like a check-marked box on the left side of the loading lever, frame, and hammer and on the wedge. "K" inspection marks are on the top of the barrel at the breech, on the cylinder by the serial number, and on the top of the back strap. The square back trigger guard has an "A" ahead of the bow and "N" near the back of the bow. The wedge is numbered "223" but appears to have been with the revolver a long time and has the same wear and the marking noted above. Glass attributed the mismatch to a field mixture. The other serial numbers are all matching. The grip has traces of a cartouche on each side and is numbered to the gun in the lower mortise.

Very good plus. This revolver appears to have been used little, cleaned long ago, and then nicely aged over time. Glass called it "unusually fine." It retains traces of original blue around the wedge slot and loading lever screw and some original niter blue on the screws and otherwise displays a very attractive light silver-gray patina on the steel, aged patina on the grip frame, distinct markings, generally sharp edges, mild pitting concentrated on the barrel, and general mild overall wear. The safety pin remains solid, and the cylinder roll-scene is nice and crisp. Glass refers to the scene as "exceptional" and "100% perfect." The grip is also very good and has mild handling and edge wear, a slight chip at the toe on the right, and some dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent. Definitely an attractive and desirable First Model Dragoon that will be an excellent addition to your Colt collection.