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LOT 3117
Interesting U.S. Marked Civilian Sold Colt Third Model
Dragoon Percussion Revolver - Serial no. 11839, 44 cal., 7 1/2 inch
part round bbl., blue/casehardened/silver finish, walnut grips. Colt’s Third
Model Dragoon revolvers were the last of Colt’s massive “horse pistols”
descended from the famous Colt Walker. The Dragoons were used by the 1st and 2nd Dragoons and U.S.
Regiment of Mounted Riflemen in the West in the Antebellum era and also saw extensive use during the Civil War by both sides. This Third
Model Dragoon was manufactured in 1851. The barrel has a German silver blade front sight and the one-line New York address. The cylinder has the
classic roll scene depicting a running battle between the Texas Rangers and the Comanche and the “MODEL U.S.M.R.” and “COLT’S PATENT” markings.
The left side of the frame has the “COLTS/PATENT/U.S.” marking. Matching visible serial numbers are found on the loading lever, cylinder, barrel, frame,
trigger guard, and back strap. There are “0” markings above or below the serial numbers on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, and back strap. There are
lighter “T” markings on the top of the barrel at the breech, the front edge of the cylinder by the serial number, just ahead of the trigger guard bow, and on
the back strap just behind the hammer. In included correspondence, noted Colt percussion revolver researcher and author Charles Pate notes that he has seen six guns in the 11400- 12100 range that have inspector marks, the “0” marking seen on this revolver, and no cartouches even though they are in high enough condition that cartouches would be visible had they been marked on the revolvers. He theorizes that these revolvers are commercial sales guns made up of either overrun parts from U.S. military contract production or revolvers that didn’t pass final inspection and were sold commercially. The traces of silver plating inside the trigger guard demonstrate the revolver had commercial style finish.
CONDITION: Very good plus with 25% bright original blue visible underneath the barrel, mostly smooth gray and brown patina on the balance, traces of original silver plating
on the protected areas of the trigger guard, attractive aged patina on the brass, some light oxidation mainly on the barrel and cylinder, mostly distinct markings, exceptionally
crisp cylinder scene, and general mild overall wear. The grip is also very good and has most of the original finish, numerous mild dings and scratches, and mild lower edge wear. Mechanically excellent. This is a very attractive and fascinating variation of the classic Colt Third Model Dragoon revolver.
left shoulder of the trigger guard, and all matching visible serial numbers.
CONDITION: Very fine with 60% of the bright original high polish blue finish remaining, 80% plus of the
vibrant original case colors remaining, attractive natural aged patina on the brass trigger guard, and
smooth gray and brown patina on the balance. The cylinder scene and safety pins remain crisp. The
other markings are also distinct. The reoiled grip is fine and has mild edge and handling wear. Mechanically
excellent. This is a very attractive example of a civilian Colt Model 1860 Army with particularly stunning original case colors.
114 Estimate: 7,500 - 9,500
Estimate: 12,000 - 18,000
LOT 3118
Attractive Colt Model 1860
Army Percussion Revolver - Serial no. 183132, 44 cal., 8 inch
round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut grips. This highly attractive example of the iconic Colt Model 1860 Army was manufactured for
the commercial market in 1869. The 1860 Army was the primary revolver of the Union Army during the Civil War and remained a major sidearm on the American
frontier after the Civil War during the transition from percussion firearms to breech-loading cartridge arms like the famous Colt Single Action Army. It has a
German silver blade front sight, the one-line New York address, “COLTS/PATENT” on the left side of the frame which is cut for a shoulder stock, “44 CAL” on the