Page 232 - 4095-BOOK2

LOT 1216
Fine U.S. Colt Second Model Dragoon Percussion Revolver - Serial no. 10145,
44 cal., 7 1/2 inch part round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut
grips. The Second Model Dragoons are by far the rarest of the primary
Colt Dragoon revolvers, particularly the U.S contract Second Models. Per
Sutherland and Wilson in “The Book of Colt Firearms,” only around 2,700
Second Model Dragoons were manufactured compared to 7,000 of the First
Model Dragoons and 10,500 Third Model Dragoons. The Colt Second Model
Dragoon revolvers feature the distinctive combination of the squareback
trigger guard and the improved rectangular cylinder stops as well as more
subtle improvements such as the hammer roller. “The Book of Colt Firearms”
also notes, “At least part of the government contract for 1,000 Army pistols,
dated February 4, 1850, is considered to have been filled from the Second
Model production. The U.S. marked specimen is a desirable collector
variation.” This example was manufactured in 1851 and has a distinct “JH”
cartouche on the left side of the grip, “WAT” cartouche on the right side of the grip, “COLTS/PATENT/U.S.” marked
on the left side of the frame, and “H” sub-inspection marks on the cylinder, loading lever, barrel, trigger guard
bow, top of the back strap, and left side of the grip on the butt. The trigger guard also has “Q” on the front and a
“C” on the left. The barrel has a German silver blade front sight and the one-line “-ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK
CITY-” address reading from the muzzle towards the breech.
The cylinder has the roll-scene of the mounted battle between
the Texas Rangers and Comanche and the “U.S.M.R.” and “COLTS
PATENT” marking. The visible serial numbers on the cylinder,
loading lever, barrel, frame, trigger guard, and back strap all
match. For an antebellum era U.S. contract firearm ordered for
use by the U.S. Dragoons and Regiment of Mounted Riflemen on
the frontier, the revolver is in extraordinary condition, especially
considering most of those revolvers also saw use
in the American Civil War.
CONDITION: Fine with distinct cylinder scene, cartouches, and
inspection marks; 40% original blue finish, 30% original case
colors, attractively aged patina on the brass grip straps, mostly
flattened safety pins, and minor scratches and dings. The
grips is also fine and has a crisp cartouche on the left, slightly
worn cartouche on the right, and a few marks on the butt.
Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Andrew Singer Collection.
Estimate: 14,000 - 22,500
230