The Third Model Dragoon revolvers are the last of the large .44 caliber Colt "revolving holster pistols" that began with the famous Colt Walker in 1847. This revolver was manufactured in 1860 under contract with the U.S. government. Most of these revolvers saw hard use on the frontier with the 1st and 2nd Dragoons and U.S. Regiment of Mounted Riflemen and were subsequently used by both sides during the Civil War. U.S. issued Dragoons in high condition are hard to find. The revolver has the round brass trigger guard and rectangular cylinder stops found on Third Model Dragoons. The top flat of the barrel has a German silver front sight and "ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW" cutoff by the three-leaf rear sight (one standing, two folding. The left side of the frame is marked "COLTS/PATENT/U.S." The cylinder has the Indian fight scene and the desirable "U.S. DRAGOONS" marking. Matching serial numbers are found on the loading lever, wedge, arbor pin, cylinder, barrel, frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The rear mortise of the grip is marked with the matching partial serial number "8942" in black ink and the full number "18942" in pencil. The grip also has a faint cartouche on the left, a faint, almost illegible "WAT" cartouche on the right, and "GDM" markings on each side at the butt. "K" inspection marks are on the barrel, cylinder, and top of the back strap. The closely numbered, almost matching shoulder stock is numbered "18945/18946" on the lower tang and buttplate and a faint cartouche and legible "WAT" cartouche on the left side of the wrist. Internally "1894" is also handwritten in the lower tang mortise, "18945/18946" is marked on the inside of the locking hardware, "H" is stamped on the butt above "18945" marked in black ink twice. Also includes a .44 caliber dual cavity bullet mold with "COLT'S/PATENT" marked sprue cutter and "S" marked on the body on the right and "3RD MDL (TYPE III)/DRAGOON" in marker on the left. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Very good plus with strong traces of original blue finish on the sides of the breech section, 30% bright original casehardened finish on the sides of the matching number loading lever arm, smooth gray and brown patina on the balance, minor spotting, and mild overall wear. The brass has light aged patina. The grip is very good and has mild wear primarily on the lower edges. Mechanically fine. The shoulder stock is very good and has traces of original blue finish mainly on the buttplate, darker brown and gray patina on the balance, minor dings and scratches, a chip at the rear of the upper tang, a small divot on the right side of the wrist, and general mild wear. The refinished bullet mold is fair and has mild pitting.