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LOT 195
U.S. Contract Colt First Model Dragoon
Percussion Revolver with Desirable “U.S. Dragoons” Marked Cylinder - Serial
no. 4062, 44 percussion cal., 7 1/2 inch bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut grips.
This Colt Model 1848 Dragoon revolver was manufactured in 1848. This revolver has the
combination of oval cylinder stops and square-back brass trigger guard that identify it as a First Model Dragoon revolver.
This U.S. contract revolver was probably part of the Second Contract for 1000 pistols executed between Colt and the Ordnance Department on November 2,
1847. These pistols were delivered in 1848 and 1849. Ordnance records indicate that 998 Dragoon revolvers from the Second Contract were issued to the U.S.
Mounted Rifle Regiment. The cylinder of this revolver is roll-engraved “U.S. DRAGOONS/COLT’S PATENT” on either side of the serial number rather than the
standard “U.S.M.R./COLT’S PATENT” markings found on most Dragoon revolvers. This scarce marking is found only on First and Second Model Dragoon revolvers.
The half-round/half-octagon barrel has a nickel-silver front sight blade and is roll-stamped: “ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY” reading from
the breech to the muzzle. The cylinder is roll-engraved with the Ranger and Indian fight scene with W.L. Ormsby markings at the bottom of the
scene. “COLT’S/PATENT/U.S.” is roll-stamped on the left front of the frame. Small “B” Ordnance sub-inspection marks are stamped on the back strap, trigger
guard, top barrel flat and cylinder. Faint, illegible, oval Ordnance Department final inspection and sub-inspection marks are visible on the lower portions of both sides of
the grip. The full serial number is stamped on the bottom of the barrel lug, frame, cylinder, back strap, and on the trigger guard on either side of the trigger guard screw.
The loading lever, loading lever latch and cylinder pin are stamped with the partial serial number “062”. The wedge is numbered “025”. With the exception of the wedge,
all of the visible serial numbers match. The early style cylinder has a single safety pin. Nearly all of the Second Contract, First Model Dragoon revolvers were issued to U.S.
Mounted Rifle Regiment. During the late 1840s and early 1850s, the Mounted Rifles saw hard service on the Texas frontier, the Pacific Northwest, and California. When
the Mounted Rifle Regiment was transferred to the Oregon Territory in 1849 shortly after the discovery of gold in California, a substantial
portion of the regiment deserted with their mounts and weapons for the California gold fields.
CONDITION: Very good. Patterns of the nearly all silvered out casehardened finish remain on the frame and loading lever. The balance of
the barrel, cylinder, loading lever, and frame have a smooth, gray/brown patina. The barrel has holster wear at the muzzle and a several
takedown marks on the right side of the barrel lug above the wedge slot. The barrel legend is crisp. The cylinder retains most of the
Ranger and Indian fight scene with clear “U.S. DRAGOONS” marking. The cylinder safety pin is battered, and the rear cylinder face shows
moderate wear with minimal flash pitting. The brass trigger guard and back strap have a dark patina, and there are a several dents in the
grip strap behind the trigger guard. The butt is lightly scribed with the crude initials “K T T”. The serial numbers and Ordnance inspection
marks are crisp. The grip is good overall with moderate handling wear and faint Ordnance final inspection and sub-inspection marks. The
action is crisp and functions well.
Estimate: 9,000 - 14,000
LOT 196
Factory Engraved Colt Model 1851 Navy Percussion Revolver with Allegorical
Figures on the Barrel and Raised Relief Patriotic Eagle Motif Carved on the
Antique Ivory Grip - Serial no. 166635, 44 cal., 7 1/2 inch octagon bbl., blue/
casehardened/silver finish, carved antique ivory grips. Colt dates this revolver’s serial
number to 1863 during the middle of the American Civil War. It features the “late
percussion vine scroll” style engraving on the barrel, loading lever, cylinder, frame,
trigger guard, and back strap along with Libertas on the left side of the barrel with
a spear with a Phrygian cap and scroll, another allegorical figure likely representing
the Greek agricultural goddess Demeter on the right side of the barrel holding a
basket of fruit and with her left hand spreading seeds, and a scroll around the patent
marking on the frame. The revolver’s engraving is very similar to the Model 1860
Army engraved with Columbia on the left and a spread wing bald eagle on the right
attributed by Herbert Houze to Master Engraver Georg H. Sterzing on page 103 of
“Colt Factory Engravers of the Nineteenth Century” where it is noted as presented to
Texan Colt dealer Henry D. Norton in October of 1865. The recipient of the current
revolver is unknown, but the theme of the revolver would have certainly been
appropriate for a display piece for one of the large agricultural fairs or presentation to
a leading figure with ties to agriculture. The grip features a raised relief carved panel
with “E PLURIBUS UNUM” inscribed over a spread wing eagle perched on Columbia’s
shield with Union flags in the background. The revolver comes in a mahogany case
with a cap tin, balls and bullets, blued Colt “36 B” marked ball/bullet mold with sprue
cutter, “COLTS/PATENT” marked martial themed powder flask, and two reproduction cartridge packs
CONDITION: Fine with crisp engraving, 40% original blue finish, traces of original case colors, 95% plus of the replated silver remaining on the grip straps, unnumbered replacement barrel wedge, smooth gray and brown patina on
the balance, patches of minor pitting, and mild overall wear. The grip is also fine and has wear on the raised portions of the otherwise distinct carving, dark aged patina, age lines mainly on the butt, and minor wear. Mechanically
fine. The relined case and accessories are very good with mild age and storage wear.
Estimate: 9,000 - 14,000