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LOT 1206
Extremely Scarce
U.S. Colt Second
Model Dragoon Percussion Revolver with
New Hampshire Markings - Serial no. 10267, 44 percussion
cal., 7 1/2 inch part octagon bbl., blue/casehardened finish,
walnut grips. Manufactured in 1851, this is a highly desirable
U.S. and New Hampshire militia marked Colt Second Model
Dragoon revolver. Colt manufactured 2,700 Second Model Dragoon Revolvers in 1850-
1851, making this variation the rarest of all models of Colt Dragoon Revolvers. A large
percentage of these revolvers were manufactured for the Army. This particular revolver
is even rarer as it is one of only a few hundred that were issued to the New Hampshire
and Massachusetts militias that appear within the 10,000 to the lower 11,000 serial
number range. This Dragoon was issued to the New Hampshire militia with the militia marking on the left
side of the barrel. Experts have estimated that there were 150 Dragoons issued to the New Hampshire militia.
The revolver has the correct combination of square trigger guard and rectangular cylinder stops, which are
second model features. The part octagon barrel is fitted with a nickel silver blade front sight and is stamped
with the one-line New York address and the “NEW HAMPSHIRE” militia marking on the left side. The left side
of the frame is stamped “COLT’S/PATENT/U.S.” The cylinder is roll-engraved with the Ranger and Indian fight
scene and “MODEL U.S.M.R./10267/COLT’S PATENT”. The replacement wedge has been renumbered to match the
revolver. Matching serial numbers are on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, back strap, loading lever, cylinder, and arbor
pin. Single letter inspector marks are present on the barrel, trigger guard and back strap. A script letter cartouche is
stamped on both sides of the grip.
CONDITION: Very good plus. The barrel retains 25% of original blue finish in and around the protected areas with the
strongest amounts on the underside, otherwise a smooth brown patina. The New Hampshire marking is crisp. The
cylinder has a smooth brown-gray patina and most of the scene remains. Patterns of mottled original case colors
remain on the frame, hammer and loading lever. The brass has an even aged patina. The grip is very good with a
repair visible on the bottom front toe, high edge wear and minor dings and scratches. Both cartouches are legible.
Mechanically excellent. An extremely rare and desirable New Hampshire Militia marked Second Model Dragoon.
Estimate: 8,500 - 11,000
LOT 1205
Exceptional
and Desirable
Cased Colt Second Model 1851 Navy
Percussion Revolver with Squareback Trigger
Guard - Serial no. 3676, 36 cal., 7 1/2 inch octagon
bbl., blue/casehardened/silver finish, walnut grips.
The Colt Model 1851 Navy was the second most popular of all
the Colt percussion revolvers, after only the smaller Model 1849 Pocket.
215,348 of these ‘51 Navy revolvers were manufactured in 1850 to 1873, and
this model was the most significant for Colt’s success internationally. In the
U.S., they saw extensive use in the antebellum era, through the Civil War, and
in the Wild West and were the trusted side arm of numerous famous figures
in the period; even the famous six-gunner Elmer Keith cut his teeth shooting a ‘51 Navy. This
early Model 1851 Navy was manufactured in 1851 with the distinctive combination of the wedge
under the screw and the squareback trigger guard that differentiates the Second Model from the
other variations. For many collectors, this is the most attractive variation of the ever popular ‘51
Navy and one of the most popular of all percussion Colt variations. With its octagonal barrel and
squareback trigger guard, it has the classic early Colt look. The revolver features a brass cone front
sight, “-ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY-” marked on the top of the barrel, the early small “COLTS/PATENT” marking on the frame, the standard Naval Battle of Campeche roll scene on the cylinder, and matching serial numbers
on the loading lever, barrel, wedge, arbor pin, frame, grip straps, and back strap mortise of the grip (correctly hand-written in black ink). The case contains a cap tin, several balls, an L-shaped combination tool, powder flask, and a
Colt patent dual cavity bullet mold with iron sprue cutter.
CONDITION: Very fine with 98% plus of the original silver plating which has dark aged patina, 60% original blue finish, 40% muted original case colors, distinct markings, patches of slight oxidation/pitting, solid safety pins, and
minor wear. The grip is very fine and has glossy varnish, some nice figure, and minor dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent. The relined case and accessories are very good with mild age and storage related wear. This revolver
has aged but appears to have been very well cared for and seen very little to no use. It is certainly going to be a highly attractive addition to any percussion Colt collection.
Estimate: 8,500 - 13,000