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According to author Douglas L. Hays, Jr. only 100 Colt Second Model Dragoons were purchased for the Massachusetts militia in 1852, of which approximately 20 are still know to collectors
LOT 3108
Exceptional
U.S. “MS”
Massachusetts
Marked Colt
Second Model
Dragoon Percussion
Revolver - Serial no.
10612, 44 cal., 7 1/2 inch part octagon bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut
grips. Manufactured in 1851 under U.S. contract, this Colt Second Model Dragoon
revolver was later issued to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts under the Militia
Act and stamped “MS” in front of the trigger guard. According to the 2013 publication
“Massachusetts Marked Colt Second Model Dragoon Revolvers Their Early History and U.S. Civil War Issue” by Douglas
L. Hays, Jr. only 100 Colt Second Model Dragoons were procured from the U.S. Ordnance Department by the Massachusetts Militia
in 1852. Hays estimates approximately 20 “MS” marked Second Model Dragoons are known to exist today. The serial numbers are scattered
randomly and span a numerical range of 450, mostly in the 10000-11000 range. The revolver has the distinctive combination of rectangular cylinder stops and square-back brass trigger guard that identify Second Model Dragoon revolvers. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped: “-ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY-”. “COLT’S/PATENT/U.S.” is roll-stamped in three lines on the left side of the frame. The cylinder is roll-engraved
with the Ranger and Indian fight scene and “MODEL U.S.M.R./COLT’S PATENT”. Single letter government inspection marks are visible on various parts and the grip is marked with boxed “W.A.T.” cartouches. The full serial number, “10612”, is stamped on the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard, back strap and cylinder. The partial serial number “0612” is stamped on the lever. “612” is stamped on the cylinder pin and wedge. Colt manufactured fewer Second Model Dragoon revolvers (2,700) than any other Dragoon revolver, making them relatively scarce, even more-so with Massachusetts militia markings!
CONDITION: Fine, the barrel retains 60% plus of the original blue finish, more concentrated in
protected areas like the bottom of the barrel, with the balance having thinned to an aged blue-
grey patina with some scattered minor dings and scratches. The cylinder retains nearly all of the
Ranger/Indian rollmark and the markings are mostly crisp including the “M.S” on the trigger guard.
All of the cylinder pins are intact with minimal flash pitting on the rear of the cylinder and nipples.
The muted casehardened finish is mostly smooth grey with a few sheltered areas showing some
faint case color and patterns. The brass shows an attractive mellow aged patina overall. The screw
heads are in very fine condition and retains strong traces of the original nitre blue. The grip is very
fine with minimal handling wear, minor dings and scratches scattered throughout, and retaining
most of the varnish. The inspection marks on the grip remain quite crisp. Mechanically excellent.
A rare variation of the already rare and exceptional Colt Second Model Dragoon that would be an
impressive addition to any early Colt revolver or U.S. military collection!
72 Estimate: 25,000 - 40,000