Only an estimated 2,700 Second Model Dragoon 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. The combination of rectangular cylinder stops and square-back brass trigger guard clearly identify the revolver as a Second Model Dragoon. The barrel has a German silver blade front sight and is marked "-ADDRESS SAMl COLT, NEW-YORK CITY" on the top flat. The loading lever has a vertical catch. "COLT'S/PATENT/U.S." stamped on the left of the frame. The cylinder has the Texas Ranger and Indian fight scene along with the "MODEL U.S.M.R./COLT'S PATENT" marking. Small single letter inspection marks are present on various components. Matching full and partial serial numbers are marked on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, back strap, loading lever, wedge, cylinder, and arbor pin. Each side of the grip has a script letter cartouche with "JCB" (Joseph C. Bragg) on the left and "WAT" (William A. Thornton) on the right. The U.S. contract Colt Dragoon revolvers were used primarily by the First and Second Dragoon Regiments and the Regiment of Mounted Riflemen.