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LOT 1227
Documented Engraved Two Digit Serial Number Colt Hartford-English Dragoon Percussion Revolver with a Star and Rattlesnake Raised Relief Carved Grip Inscribed “Don’t Tread on Me.” Photographed in the 1955 Texas Gun Collector Publication - Serial no. 35, 44 cal., 7 1/2 inch part octagon bbl., blue/casehardened/silver finish, antique ivory grips. This rare revolver is one of only 700 Colt “English” Dragoon revolvers manufactured between 1853 and 1857. These revolvers were built from parts manufactured at the Hartford factory that were then finished and assembled at Colt’s London factory. These are among the rarest of the larger Colt “Horse Pistols” descended from the famous Colt Walker revolver. Of the 700 London Dragoons, it is estimated that around 200 were returned to Hartford for use in the American Civil War. This revolver has classic English scroll engraving with floral accents, entwining patterns on the upper barrel flats, “COLT’S - PATENT” inscribed in a banner on the left of the frame in place of the usual stamped marking, and a bestial design along the top of the hammer. The barrel and cylinder have London proof and view marks. The barrel has a German silver blade front sight and “”[ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW YORK CITY}” marked on the top flat. Matching serial numbers are located on the loading
lever, barrel, frame, trigger guard, butt, wedge, arbor pin, and cylinder (over-stamped). There is also a “2” marking above the serial number on the barrel lug. The grip is checkered and has a raised relief carved star with a coiled rattlesnake on the left. The side and lower points of the star are
inscribed to read “Don’t Tread on me.” It comes in an English style fitted case with a cleaning rod, balls, bag shaped American Flask & Cap Co. flask, W. & C. Eley cap tin, oiler, and a brass ball and bullet mold with a “COLTS/PATENT”
marked iron sprue cutter.