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LOT 3104
Rare Documented Cased Factory Engraved Colt Hartford-English Third Model Dragoon Percussion Revolver Featured in “The Colt Engraving Book Vol. 1” by R.L. Wilson - Serial no. 125, 44 cal., 7 1/2 inch part round bbl., blue/casehardened/silver finish, deluxe factory walnut grips. Approximately 700 of
these distinctive Dragoon revolvers were reportedly manufactured c. 1853-1857 mostly using Hartford made parts. it is estimated that about 150 were engraved. 73 of the engraved Dragoons, nearly half, were shipped
to Joseph C. Grubb & Company in Philadelphia in 1861 indicating these massive Dragoon revolvers were not popular in the U.K., but that there was demand in the U.S. Dragoons are known to have been used by both sides during the Civil War, particularly by cavalrymen. This very attractive Hartford-English Dragoon revolver is featured in a centerfold on pages 232-233 of “The Colt Engraving Book Vol. 1” by R.L. Wilson. It is the
only single revolver two-page spread in the book. The
caption notes the “rare reinforcing bolster and screw in select walnut grips” and also indicates the revolver was from Raymond Kendall’s collection. These reinforced grips are only found on a handful of the Hartford- English Dragoons and demonstrate that there were likely concerns about the grips handling the stress of the large and powerful revolvers. In addition to the
rare grips which have beautiful figure, this revolver features stunning London factory floral, scroll, shell, and border engraving. The barrel has the one-line New York address, and the frame has the “COLT’S PATENT” marking inscribed in an engraved banner. The barrel and cylinder have London proofmarks. Matching serial numbers are visible on the loading lever, barrel, frame, trigger guard, back strap, and cylinder. It come in an original English oak case with round lid escutcheon, blue velvet lining,
a turned bone container, James Dixon & Sons oiler, L-shaped combination screwdriver and nipple wrench, “COLTS/PATENT” ball and bullet mold, Joyce cap tin, and a G. & J.W. Hawksley back shaped powder flask.