The Model 1848 Baby Dragoon was the first pocket model manufactured by Colt at the Hartford factory and is in essence a scaled down Colt Dragoon revolver and came out just in time for the California Gold Rush. Around 15,000 Baby Dragoon revolvers were manufactured in 1847-1850 before production shifted fully over to the newer Model 1849 Pocket which went on to be Colt's most popular percussion revolver. This revolver was manufactured in 1849 and falls into the correct pre-11600 range for the Texas Ranger and Indian battle scene found on the cylinder. The barrel has a small post front sight, "-ADDRESS SAML COLT/NEW YORK CITY-" on top, and correctly no loading cutout or provision for a loading lever. The frame has the small "COLTS/PATENT" marking on the left side. It also has distinctive round cylinder stops and square-back trigger guard. The serial numbers match throughout including in the grip's back strap inlet.

Very good plus, with 70% original silver remaining on the back strap, 30% original silver remaining on the trigger guard, mostly dark gray patina on the iron, distinct markings, and moderate overall wear appropriate for a revolver that may have spent many years in pockets. The cylinder has half of the original scene visible with a semi-circular drag line visible on the forward portion. Mechanically fine.