Colt 1st Model Dragoon Revolver --U.S. Marked--

This is a good solid original example of an early .44 caliber Colt Dragoon Percussion Revolver. This one is a desirable First Model with martial marks indicating it was issued to the US Army. The serial number is in the 6,000 range and was made in 1849. Only 7,000 First Models were built and they got used HARD...especially the ones purchased by the US Army. Nice early features on this first model include standard 7-1/2" part octagon barrel, early style squareback trigger guard, round cylinder stops, and V-shaped mainspring. The grips have a good visible gov't inspectors cartouche, "US" stamped below the COLT'S PATENT marking on the frame, and various sub-inspector initials on the various components. Barrel is marked {ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW YORK CITY}.

Overall condition is Good+ with the metal aged to a fairly smooth brown patina with traces of original scene still visible on the cylinder. Nice markings and good screws. The numbers are all matching on the frame, cylinder, barrel, trigger guard, backstrap, and loading lever. Everything matches except for the wedge which is unnumbered and likely an old replacement. Also, the cylinder pin appears to be the original but is not numbered due to an old repair. At some point in time over the past 163 years, someone went to great lengths to save the original arbor pin as it shows an old repair at the front portion around the slot for the barrel wedge. Clearly, they were trying to keep the gun as original as possible as the arbor pin was salvaged as was the original V-mainspring which snapped long ago...someone tucked another spring inside the V to keep the action working properly without disturbing the original. The nipples are also somewhat mashed but were never changed out...they're the originals. We were very impressed by this gun's originality when most of the aforementioned deficits would have been conveniently corrected with new parts. This one is a true survivor. Grips are solid and in Good+ condition with original cartouche visible on the right side. Good working action with a good bore. A nice original early Colt Dragoon!

Item# 9219 (revolver)

SOLD

Item# 9220 (original holster for Colt Dragoon)

$850