For Sale: Colt Dragoon, 1st Model, martially marked

The Colt 1^st Model Dragoon, successor to the Colt Walker Model, were manufactured from 1848 until 1850 with an estimated production run of 7000 revolvers. Surviving examples (of both military and civilian versions) are rare due to their widespread use on the American Western Frontier and later in the U.S. Civil War. 1^st Model Dragoons are easily differentiated from the early Walker Model and later 2^nd Model Dragoon by the square-back trigger guard, oval cylinder stop slots, and the straight line formed at the juncture of the frame, grips, and gripstraps.

Serial number records place the manufacture of our example to 1849. The frame is martially marked with a ‘U.S.’ under ‘Colt’s Patent’. Frame, cylinder, barrel, loading lever, trigger guard, backstrap, and arbor pin SNs all match. No number is visible on the wedge or walnut grips. Other markings include the address on top of the barrel and ‘A’ on the trigger guard. Our research demonstrates this 1^st Model Dragoon served with Company K, 11th Michigan Volunteer Cavalry during the Civil War and is listed on their November 14, 1864 inventory.

As expected, like almost all 1^st Model revolvers, this example saw heavy service use which left only a few faint remnants of the cylinder scene, no original finish, and some pitting on the metal. Initials ‘J.R.C.’ carved into the right grip. The action works as intended and is smooth and strong. Bore condition is clean and bright with worn rifling and some areas of pitting near the muzzle.

This Colt 1^st Model Dragoon is for sale so you can own a solid sample of a rare revolver with a known place in history! See pictures for overall condition. Antique. Check with a local FFL dealer to confirm your state laws governing ownership of an antique handgun before purchasing this item.

**Due to the value of this item, please contact us prior to purchasing this item.