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LOT 189
Fine U.S. Marked Colt Third Model Dragoon Percussion Revolver with Desirable Three-Leaf Rear Sight, “Four-Screw” Frame, and Matching Shoulder Stock - Serial no. 17302, 44 cal., 7 1/2 inch part round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock, walnut grips. 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. These revolvers were issued in pairs with one shoulder stock, and they are rarely encountered today complete with an accompanying U.S. contract stock. While not as functional as a carbine for longer shots, a pair of powerful six-shooters was an excellent choice for running battles on horseback or close-in engagements. This Third Model Dragoon was manufactured in 1858 and features oval script inspection cartouches “WAT” on the right and “MM” on the left. The barrel has a half-moon German silver blade front sight, a dovetail mounted three-leaf rear sight, and the one-line New York address partially cut off by the rear sight. 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. Matching serial numbers are found on the loading lever, cylinder, cylinder pin, wedge, barrel, frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The shoulder stock is numbered “17301/17302” on both the iron lower tang and buttplate and has “WAT” (right) and “JT” (left) cartouches on the wrist. Only around 1,500 Dragoons were made with provisions for shoulder stocks.
CONDITION: Fine with 30% original blue finish remaining on the barrel and cylinder, traces of original blue on the back strap, 40% plus original case colors, mostly smooth brown patina on the balance, some faint pitting, three solid safety pins, distinct markings and roll scene, and generally fairly minor overall wear. The grip is very good and has light but legible cartouches, mild lower edge wear, some slight flakes, and a divot on the right. The shoulder stock is very good with gray and brown patina on the mounts along with patches of mild pitting, legible cartouches on the wrist, some filing/heavier cleaning on the buttplate, mild scrapes and dings, and general mild wear. Mechanically excellent. This is a very attractive and rare Colt Third Model Dragoon revolver complete with a matching shoulder stock.
Provenance: The George Repaire Collection; The Bill Gerber Collection; The Michael Simens Collection; The Greg Lampe Collection.
Estimate: 30,000 - 50,000