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The “P” inspection markings
on the revolver’s various
components are attributed
to inspector Nahum W. Patch
who also inspected Colt Walker
revolvers. Regarding this revolver’s provenance, Povah writes, “Unfortunately
very few ‘Second Contract’ Dragoons have positive identification as to their use beyond the initial issuance to Persifor Smith’s Regiment of Mounted Riflemen. The story of one revolver, serial number 2626, contributes more questions than answers. Mr. Dale Bryant, of Elmira, New York, a direct descendant of Sergeant Jordan V. Morgan of Company
‘E’, 13th Regiment Pennsylvania Reserve Infantry, convincingly attests to the fact that Morgan, after his use of number 2626 during the period of his service, returned from the Civil War with the gun.” Between May 10, 1849, when the gun may have been re-issued in St. Louis and June 11, 1864, when Morgan mustered out of the service, where ‘Second Contract’ Dragoon number 2626 had been and how it ended up in Morgan’s hands are questions without definitive answers. Logic suggests that by the time the 3rd U.S. Cavalry departed Jefferson Barracks in December of 1862 they would no longer be armed with the ‘Second Contract’ Dragoons issued to the Regiment of Mounted Riflemen back in 1849. By December 1862 the government had purchased over 60,000 of the new Colt 1860 Army models and it seems that the 3rd U.S. Cavalry’s need for revolvers would have been met from that source. It is the author’s opinion
that because of the Union’s need for weapons, substantiated by the U.S. Ordnance Department’s open market purchases of Colt Dragoons as late as September of 1861, that it is plausible that when Dragoons such as serial number 2626 that remained serviceable may have been retained to be re-issued. ‘Second Contract’ Dragoon number 2626 may even have been re-issued to the 13th Regiment Pennsylvania Reserve Infantry, accounting for the possibility of Jonathan Morgan having possession of it.”
Included with the revolver is a binder of information, including a 1994 notarized
The revolver features
a German silver blade
front sight, “ADDRESS SAML
COLT NEW-YORK CITY” on
the breech section of the
barrel reading from the
breech towards the muzzle,
the Rangers and Indians fight
scene on the cylinder along with “MODEL U.S.M.R.” and “COLT’S PATENT”, oval cylinder stops, a single safety pin, “COLTS/PATENT/U.S.” on the left side of the frame, the squareback brass trigger guard, brass back strap, and walnut grip. “P” inspection marks are found on the barrel lug, cylinder, trigger guard, and back strap. Faint “NWP” and “WAT” cartouches are stamped on the left and right of the grip. Matching serial numbers in the small “Walker” sized numerals are stamped on the various components, including inside the
statement from Dale E. Bryant indicating this revolver had been passed down to him from his “great, great, great uncle. Mr. Jonathan V. Morgan. It was used by him during the Civil War. He was born in Covington Township, Tioga County, Pennsylvania, March
1, 1838. On April 22, 1861, he enlisted in Company E, First Pennsylvania Reserve, (The ‘Bucktails’). He was taken prisoner at Gaines’ Hill. June 28, 1862 and rejoined his unit
at Alexandria, Virginia.” Except for the time he was a captive of the South, “he served in all engagements in which the Bucktails participated. Jonathan Morgan was wounded
at the Battle of Gettysburg, and several times promoted for gallantry and meritorious conduct on the battlefield. He led his company as First Sergeant through most of the Wilderness Campaign. He commanded his company as a Brevet First Lieutenant when his regiment mustered out of service in June of 1864. He brought this revolver home with him.” Bryant also indicates that Morgan returned to farming in Tioga County after the war and became a leading citizen. “The revolver was retained by Sarah Morgan, Jonathan’s sister, who married Jessie Bryant and has been transferred from father to son until the present.”
grip mortise. Only the wedge is non-
matching (“658”). The revolver is accompanied by a canteen with “D. Proctor./Co. H 1st Regt./M.V.M.” on one side and “US” on the other. The 1st Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Militia was the first Massachusetts regiment to leave the state on a three-year enlistment during the Civil War. Company H was organized on April 19, 1861. Proctor does not appear on the unit’s roster but may have joined the unit later.
CONDITION: Fine with gray and brown patina, some patterns of mostly silvered out case colors, crisp markings, attractive aged patina on the brass grip straps, and general mild overall wear. The cylinder scene is very fine and remarkably clear. The grip is very good and has mild lower edge wear, chips at the toe, and traces of the cartouches. Mechanically fine. The canteen is fine with minor wear and a new strap. If you want both documented history and rarity, this is the Dragoon for you!
Provenance: Dale Bryant, a Descendent of Jonathan V. Morgan;
The Derek Povah Collection.
Estimate: 30,000 - 50,000
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