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LOT 1188
Fine U.S. Inspected Colt Third
Model Dragoon Percussion Revolver with
Folding Rear Sight, Four-Screw Frame and U.S.
Inspected Shoulder Stock - Serial no. 17059, 44 cal.,
7 1/2 inch part round bbl., blue/casehardened finish,
walnut grips. Only 1,500 Third Model Dragoons were
reportedly made with provisions for shoulder stocks.
The Third Model Dragoon can be quickly distinguished by
its round trigger guard and rectangular cylinder stops. 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 with an accompanying
U.S. contract stock. 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 “CGC” (Craig G. Curtis) stamped on the left and “WAT” (William A. Thornton) on the right. The barrel has a German
silver half-moon blade front sight and rear sight with two folding leafs and a fixed leaf at the center, partially obscuring the one-
line New York address. The left of the frame is marked “COLTS/PATENT/U.S.” in three lines. This example features a factory four-screw
frame and back strap cut for use with a shoulder stock. The cylinder has the Indian fight scene and the “Model U.S.M.R.” marking. All matching full and partial serial numbers visible on
the barrel, frame, trigger guard, wedge, cylinder pin, cylinder, loading lever, butt, and correctly handwritten in black ink inside the grip mortise. The included shoulder stock is numbered
“17693/17694” on both the iron lower tang and buttplate, and bears oval script inspection cartouches “CGC” and “WAT” on the left and right, the same cartouches as the revolver.
CONDITION: Fine, exhibiting strong traces of original blue finish and case colors with smooth gray and brown patina on the balance, scattered light pitting, mostly defined cylinder scene and markings in the metal, and attractive
bright golden patina on the brass. Grip is also fine, with some dents and scratches, and legible cartouches. A few of the clicks are slightly out of time, otherwise mechanically fine. Shoulder stock is also fine with smooth gray patina
on the iron with scattered brown surface spotting, some minor pitting, with scattered characteristic period dents, scratches and minor chips in the wood showing defined cartouches. A desirable example of a U.S. inspected four-
screw Colt Third Model Dragoon revolver with shoulder stock!
Estimate: 18,000 - 27,500 191