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LOT 3243
Rare and Historic, Well Documented Confederate “C.L. DRAGOONS” Marked Colt Third Model Dragoon Percussion Revolver with Factory Letter - Serial no. 16870, 44 cal., 7 1/2 inch part octagon bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut grips. The accompanying factory letter states that this incredibly rare “C.L. DRAGOONS” marked Third Model Dragoon revolver was shipped to Cooper & Pond of New York City on February 16, 1861, and confirms the .44 caliber chambering and blue finish with the type of stocks and barrel length not listed. This was a sixteen gun shipment. The barrel has the very scarce “C.L. DRAGOONS.” marking on the upper left flat at the breech. The “C.L. Dragoons” barrel engraved marking (Crocheron Light Dragoons) was used on Alabama militia issued revolvers prior to the Civil War. This unit was later mustered into Confederate service as Captain Holloway’s Company of Alabama Cavalry. 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 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. Only an estimated 1,200-1,500 Third Model Dragoons were cut for a shoulder stock. The cylinder retains traces of the classic roll scene depicting the Texas Ranger and Indian fight scene.