Colt's Third Model Dragoon revolvers were the last of Colt's massive "horse pistols" descended from the famous Colt Walker. The Dragoons were used by the 1st and 2nd Dragoons and U.S. Regiment of Mounted Riflemen in the West in the antebellum era and also saw extensive use during the Civil War by both sides. This Third Model Dragoon was manufactured in 1858 and features "GGS" (G.G. Saunders) and "WAT" (Captain William Anderson Thornton) inspector cartouches on the grip as well as a shoulder stock with "WAT" and "BH" (Major Benjamin Huger or possibly Benjamin Hannis) cartouches. The barrel has a half-moon German silver blade front, dovetail mounted three-leaf rear sight, and the one-line New York address. The cylinder has the classic roll scene depicting a running battle between the Texas Rangers and the Comanche and the "MODEL U.S.M.R." and "COLT'S PATENT" markings. The left side of the frame has the "COLTS/PATENT/U.S." marking. The frame's recoil shield is cut for a shoulder stock, and the elongated mounting screws are fitted to the sides of the frame. The butt has the corresponding slot for the stock. There are several small inspection type markings, including some additional "C" markings on multiple components (likely condemnation marks). Matching serial numbers are found on the loading lever, cylinder, barrel, frame, trigger guard, back strap, and rear mortise of the grip. The wedge is tight and was not removed. The shoulder stock is numbered "17190/17191." Only around 1,500 Dragoons were made with provisions for shoulder stocks. These revolvers were issued in pairs with one shoulder stock, and they are rarely found today complete with an original U.S. contract stock, let alone one that is matching numbered. The consignor estimated that less than a dozen matching paired martial Dragoon revolvers and shoulder stocks are known today.

Very good with mostly mottled gray patina, distinct markings, strong patterns of case colors visible at the rear of the frame and hammer, strong blue on the top of the back strap, some artificial aging, a few replaced screws, attractive aged patina on the brass, and distinct markings. The grip is very fine and has distinct cartouches and light handling and storage marks. The renumbered shoulder stock is very good and has artificial gray and brown patina, mild pitting, slight chips and a hairline crack on the front of the wrist on the right, legible cartouches, and general mild wear. Mechanically fine. Overall, this is a solid representative set.