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LOT 194
Exceptional Documented Colt Third Model Dragoon
Percussion Revolver with Experimental Backstrap
Cut for Canteen Type Shoulder Stock, as Pictured in
“The William M. Locke Collection” - Serial no. 15826, 44 cal.,
7 1/2 inch part round bbl., blue/casehardened/silver finish, varnished
walnut grips. Colt’s Third Model Dragoon revolvers were manufactured
between 1851 to 1861, and were the last of Colt’s massive “horse
pistols” descended from the famous Colt Walker. This revolver was
manufactured in 1856, and features two unique slot cuts on the rear
grip strap for use with an experimental canteen type shoulder stock (not
included). The two slots have added filler sections at their bottom edges,
likely factory performed. This exact example, serial number 15826, is
pictured on page 56 of “The William M. Locke Collection” book, above
a similar example, serial number 16045, pictured with a canteen type
shoulder stock mounted to its backstrap. Another similar example (serial
number unknown) is pictured with what is referred to as a “First Type”
shoulder stock on pages 292-293 of “Colt Percussion Accoutrements,
1834-1873” by Robin J. Rapley. 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
saw extensive use by both sides during the Civil War. These revolvers
trace their lineage back to the 9 inch barreled Colt “Texas Paterson”
revolvers used by the Republic of Texas Navy and the Texas Rangers in
the 1840s and the Colt Model 1847 Walker revolvers of the Mexican-
American War. The barrel has a German silver blade front sight, with the
one-line “-ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW YORK CITY” legend on top. The left
side of the frame is marked “COLTS/PATENT” in two lines. The cylinder
has the Indian fight scene and the “Model U.S.M.R.” marking. Matching
full and partial serial numbers visible on the barrel, frame, trigger guard,
wedge, cylinder pin, cylinder, loading lever and butt.