RARE & HISTORIC COLT 3RD MODEL DRAGOON FROM THE ORIGINAL COLT COLLECTION.

RARE & HISTORIC COLT 3RD MODEL DRAGOON FROM THE ORIGINAL COLT COLLECTION. Cal 44. SN 18136. Special 3rd model dragoon with some very unusual features indicative of possible experimentation. This revolver has a 7-1/2″ oct to rnd bbl, with German silver, half moon, front sight and the 3-leaf folding dragoon rear sight, dovetailed into the top flat through the bbl address. The bbl & cylinder are of an unusual high polish blue and the cylinder has the very rare “U.S. DRAGOONS” marking in the cylinder roll along with the Indian fight scene. The “Dragoons” marking is in the place of the usual U.S.M.R. markings. Another unusual feature is the lack of cuts in the frame and grip frame for the attachable shoulder stock, yet it has the sights normally associated with the shoulder stock. The frame itself is equally unusual in that it is blued rather than case hardened, possibly an oil quenched case hardening which produces a blue/black finish rather than the usual water quench method that produces the normal brilliant colors. This revolver possibly has a frame made of the “new” Silver Spring steel since it was produced around the time of the introduction of the Model 1860 and the introduction of this type of steel. The grip frame is the usual silver-plated brass with varnished 1-pc walnut grip. The left side of the frame has the usual 2-line “COLT’S PATENT” marking and the serial number appears in the usual places on the bottom of the bbl lug, the front end of the frame, the toe of the trigger plate, the toe of the buttplate and on the cylinder with the last four digits appearing on the bottom of the wedge and on the flat of the rammer handle pivot Among visible inspector marks are an “M” on the left shoulder of the trigger guard, a “W” on the front of the cylinder, along with an asterisk (*), an “R” on the rear of the cylinder and an upside down “P” on the face of the recoil shield.

It is accompanied by 7-page letter from R.L. Wilson giving the history and description of this revolver. Mr. Wilson cites three previous inventories of the Colt Collection beginning in 1885 with the most recent being in 1976. All three inventories and appraisals list this revolver as item #245 with description by serial number. He also references a still earlier 1861 inventory entitled “IN COL’S ROOMS”. Although this inventory does not list this revolver by serial number it does show several items noted as “old model pistol” which is the terminology Colt referred to for this revolver after the introduction of the Model 1860 Army.

CONDITION: Extremely fine, unfired. Retains about 90% bright glossy blue on the bbl. Cylinder is crisp and retains 93-95% bright glossy orig blue, thin on the front edge with minor nicks & scratches and retains virtually all of its Indian fight scene. Frame retains 95-96% of its dull blue with a thin spot on the left recoil shield. Rammer handle retains about all of its orig case colors turned dark in the middle. Hammer retains most of its casehardening, faded to gray. Grip frame retains 95-96% strong bright orig silver. Grips are sound with chipped toes, moderate edge wear, light nicks & dings and a bruise on each side wear it meets the frame, possibly an old board mounting. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore.

This is an opportunity to own a revolver that one can have reasonable assurance that was touched and handled by Col. Colt himself. 4-54022 JR683 (160,000-200,000)

Auction: Firearms - Spring 2005

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	668	$0.00	RARE & HISTORIC COLT 3RD MODEL DRAGOON FROM THE ORIGINAL COLT COLLECTION. Cal 44. SN 18136. Special 3rd model dragoon with some very unusual features indicative of possible experimentation. This revolver has a 7-1/2″ oct to rnd bbl, with German silver, half moon, front sight and the 3-leaf folding dragoon rear sight, dovetailed into the top flat through the bbl address. The bbl & cylinder are of an unusual high polish blue and the cylinder has the very rare “U.S. DRAGOONS” marking in the cylinder roll along with the Indian fight scene. The “Dragoons” marking is in the place of the usual U.S.M.R. markings. Another unusual feature is the lack of cuts in the frame and grip frame for the attachable shoulder stock, yet it has the sights normally associated with the shoulder stock. The frame itself is equally unusual in that it is blued rather than case hardened, possibly an oil quenched case hardening which produces a blue/black finish rather than the usual water quench method that produces the normal brilliant colors. This revolver possibly has a frame made of the “new” Silver Spring steel since it was produced around the time of the introduction of the Model 1860 and the introduction of this type of steel. The grip frame is the usual silver-plated brass with varnished 1-pc walnut grip. The left side of the frame has the usual 2-line “COLT’S PATENT” marking and the serial number appears in the usual places on the bottom of the bbl lug, the front end of the frame, the toe of the trigger plate, the toe of the buttplate and on the cylinder with the last four digits appearing on the bottom of the wedge and on the flat of the rammer handle pivot Among visible inspector marks are an “M” on the left shoulder of the trigger guard, a “W” on the front of the cylinder, along with an asterisk (), an “R” on the rear of the cylinder and an upside down “P” on the face of the recoil shield. It is accompanied by 7-page letter from R.L. Wilson giving the history and description of this revolver. Mr. Wilson cites three previous inventories of the Colt Collection beginning in 1885 with the most recent being in 1976. All three inventories and appraisals list this revolver as item #245 with description by serial number. He also references a still earlier 1861 inventory entitled “IN COL’S ROOMS”. Although this inventory does not list this revolver by serial number it does show several items noted as “old model pistol” which is the terminology Colt referred to for this revolver after the introduction of the Model 1860 Army. CONDITION: Extremely fine, unfired. Retains about 90% bright glossy blue on the bbl. Cylinder is crisp and retains 93-95% bright glossy orig blue, thin on the front edge with minor nicks & scratches and retains virtually all of its Indian fight scene. Frame retains 95-96% of its dull blue with a thin spot on the left recoil shield. Rammer handle retains about all of its orig case colors turned dark in the middle. Hammer retains most of its casehardening, faded to gray. Grip frame retains 95-96% strong bright orig silver. Grips are sound with chipped toes, moderate edge wear, light nicks & dings and a bruise on each side wear it meets the frame, possibly an old board mounting. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. This is an opportunity to own a revolver that one can have reasonable assurance that was touched and handled by Col. Colt himself. 4-54022 JR683 (160,000-200,000) Auction: Firearms - Spring 2005 Please Note:* All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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