Skip to main content
Rock Island Auction Company
AuctionsConsignmentBlogFAQNewsAbout Us
Create Account
Login
AuctionsConsignmentBlogFAQNews & EventsAbout Us
Login
Create Account

History Lives Here

Rock Island Auction Company
1-309-797-15001-800-238-8022[email protected]
RIAC Rock Island
7819 42nd Street West
Rock Island, Illinois 61201, USA
8:00am - 5:00pm, Mon - Fri
RIAC Bedford
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, Texas 76021, USA
8:00am - 5:00pm, Mon - Fri
Navigation
  • Auctions
  • Consignment
  • Blog
  • FAQ
  • News
  • About Us
More Info
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Job Postings & Careers
  • Contact
  • Order a Catalog
© 2025 Rock Island Auction Company. RIAC believes that this website is accessible to the widest possible audience pursuant to the guidelines of the Americans with Disability Act. Click here for more information.
Healthcare Transparency in Coverage.
  • Auction Catalog #83
  • Lot #195
Lot #194
Lot #196

Lot 195: Cased Pair of Engraved Colt Hartford English Dragoon Revolvers

Cased Pair of Scarce Factory Engraved Two Digit Serial Number Colt Hartford English Third Model Dragoon Percussion Revolvers with Accessories

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: September 10, 2021

Lot 195: Cased Pair of Engraved Colt Hartford English Dragoon Revolvers

Cased Pair of Scarce Factory Engraved Two Digit Serial Number Colt Hartford English Third Model Dragoon Percussion Revolvers with Accessories

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: September 10, 2021

Estimated Price: $40,000 - $60,000
Price Realized:
Login to view
Login to view

A) Engraved Colt Third Model Dragoon Revolver

Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Dragoon
Type: Revolver
Gauge: 44
Barrel: 7 1/2 inch part round
Finish: blue/casehardened/silver
Grip: walnut
Stock:
Item Views: 1828
Item Interest: Average
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 150
Class: Antique
Description:

Both of these revolvers were assembled at Colt's London factory in 1853 from parts manufactured at the Hartford factory. Only 700 of these revolvers were manufactured. These two are just a few serial numbers apart (49 and 52), and each features related but different English engraving. Both revolvers feature "COLT'S PATENT" in banners on the sides of the frame and primarily traditional English scroll and floral engraving patterns. The first revolver's back strap has traces of an inscription executed with dots that began with "Lie" (lieutenant) and ended in "ves," and the frame and back strap are cut for a shoulder stock. Both revolvers have blade front sights, the "{ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY}" barrel address, London proof and view marks, the Ranger and Indian battle scene and "U.S.M.R." and "COLT'S PATENT" markings on the cylinders, and are all matching with the exception of the wedge of the second revolver (marked "179"). The second revolver has a six-pointed star on the right side of the trigger guard (used later by Colt on repaired arms) and a small diamond shaped marking on the left side at the front. The rare possibly unique period case is fitted to the revolvers and also has a loading and cleaning label inside the lid, a cleaning rod, a bore brush attachment (not compatible with the rod), two Eley Bros. cap tins, ornate key, extra mainspring, brass dual cavity bullet mold, two L-shaped combination tools, an oiler, and a James Dixon & Sons powder flask.

Rating Definition:

Fine with crisp engraving, 70% original silver plating on the grip frame with loss mainly on the back strap where the inscription was removed, 25% of the original blue finish remaining mainly concentrated on the left side of the barrel lug, traces of original case colors on the frame, 40% of the faded original case colors remaining on the hammer, mostly smooth gray and brown patina on the balance, mild pitting mainly on the barrel, flattened safety pins, distinct primary markings, some fading of the cylinder markings but mostly distinct scene, and general mild overall wear. The grip is also fine and retains the vast majority of the varnish and has some scrapes and dings, slight gaps between the left panel and butt, and minor edge wear. Mechanically fine. The relined case and accessories are generally very good, with the flask in excellent condition, and have minor storage related wear.



B) Engraved Colt Third Model Dragoon Revolver

Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Dragoon
Type: Revolver
Gauge: 44
Barrel: 7 1/2 inch round
Finish: blue/casehardened/silver
Grip: walnut
Stock:
Item Views: 1828
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 150
Class: Antique
Description:

As described in "A."

Rating Definition:

Fine with crisp engraving, 80% original silver plating on the grip frame with some light loss at the edges and a light aged patina on the silver and exposed brass, 30% plus original blue finish remaining on the barrel concentrated along the bottom where it is protected by the loading lever and on the lug, silver-gray and light brown patina on the cylinder along with a very nice roll-scene with only light fading at the front, mostly solid safety pins, 30% original case colors remaining in some of the protected areas such as the top of the loading lever, lighter original case colors mixed with smooth gray and brown patina on the frame as well as the loading lever and hammer, and general minor overall wear. The grip is also fine and has most of the varnish remaining, small dings and scratches, and light edge wear. Mechanically fine.



Customer Product Questions

There are currently no customer product questions on this lot

    Related Items

    Lot #475: Three Digit Serial Number Colt Model 1862 Pocket Navy Revolver

    Lot #81: Engraved Joseph Bourne Double Action Percussion Revolver

    Lot #955: Cased Engraved F. Lli Pietta Limited Edition Model 1858 Revolver

    Lot #668: Hanson Marked British Percussion Double Barrel Shotgun

    Lot #56: Colt Model 1849 Pocket Percussion Revolver with Case

    Lot #1356: Armi San Marco Dragoon Revolver with Shoulder Stock