The First Model Dragoon is an important descendant of the famous Colt Walker revolver which debuted just one year earlier. These revolvers were designed for mounted use by the U.S. Mounted Riflemen and 1st and 2nd U.S. Dragoons in the antebellum era and were also popular in the American Southwest. They saw use during the American Civil War in both Union and Confederate hands. This revolver was manufactured in 1849 and has the distinctive first model cylinder with oval cylinder stops like the Walker along with a squareback trigger guard as well as the subtler First Model hammer and mainspring. The upper barrel flat is marked "{ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY}" reading from the breech towards the muzzle. The left side of the frame is marked "COLT'S/PATENT/U.S." Matching serial numbers are located on the cylinder, arbor pin, wedge, loading lever, barrel, frame, trigger guard, and back strap. There is a small inspection mark at the front of the frame on the left, a "P" on the top of the back strap behind the hammer, a "G" and a "K" by the front screw of the trigger guard, and additional "K" marks on top of the barrel at the breech and the left side of the hammer.

Very good with strong traces of original blue finish under the barrel, mostly smooth artificially enhanced gray patina on the balance, some light pitting, mostly distinct markings, most of the cylinder scene visible, some nicks and scratches, and general mild overall wear. The refinished grip is also very good and has moderate lower edge wear, heavy handling wear, and some loss at the corners. Mechanically excellent.