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At least one of these C.L. Dragoons revolvers was inscribed with a name: “S. McIver.” This name helped connect these revolvers
to the Crocheron Light Dragoons as Samuel B. McIver of Dallas County, Alabama, transferred into the Crocheron Light Dragoons (Company I of 3rd Alabama Cavalry) in April 1864 and served with them until March 4, 1865. The original muster roll for the Crocheron Light Dragoons from November 21, 1861, at Mobile, Alabama, indicates that the men furnished their own mounts which was not uncommon for Confederate mounted units. However, the men did not have arms in part because none of the men had suitable arms, however, in part because of efforts by Governor Andrew B. Moore of Alabama to purchase or confiscated firearms throughout the state at the onset of the war. Moore also sent agents to purchase arms in the Northeast during the secession crisis before the war began. Despite these efforts, the state’s troops were often poorly equipped. In the case of the Alabama light dragoons raised and led by Captain Robert W. Smith in the fall of 1861, they were funded by wealthy Dallas County planter John J. Crocheron. Anderson indicates Crocheron supplied funds for their arms. Other sources have stated he
paid for their mounts, and he certainly may have funded their equipment in general. In response, Smith’s dragoons were named in Crocheron’s honor. Smith began drawing equipment for his men on January 14, 1862, including 2,000 Colt revolver cartridges.
The Crocheron Light Dragoons scouted around the Dog River area near Mobile until Captain Smith offered their services to Brigadier General Braxton Bragg in March of 1862 and they became his escort. Captain Smith was appointed Civil and
Military Governor of Corinth following the bloody Battle of Shiloh in April of 1862. The dragoons were reorganized in June of 1862 with Captain Edwin M. Holloway as their leader and became also known as “Holloway’s Company of Independent Alabama Cavalry.” Though they became Company I of the 3rd Alabama Cavalry, they remained on detached service serving as escorts and couriers
for General Bragg and then also served in the same roles under General Joseph Johnston and General John Bell Hood. They surrendered with Johnston’s army on April 26, 1865.
CONDITION: Very good with dark brown patina overall on the iron, a replaced hammer screw, attractive aged patina on the brass grip frame, moderate dings and scratches, faint cylinder scene, distinct other markings (including the significant “C.L. DRAGOONS.” marking), and general mild overall wear consistent with a revolver used in the Civil War by Confederate forces. The grip is also very good and has mild overall wear, strong original varnish showing handling wear, and lower edge wear including a small amount of old flaking. Mechanically fine. These revolvers are rarely available for public sale. They are an interesting link between Colt and Confederate arms collectors and are sure to add historical interest to any Civil War or antique arms collection. Estimate: 18,000 - 27,500
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