Colt 1st Model Dragoon & Rig
First Year Production 1848
This is a Colt 1st Model Dragoon & Rig, produced the first year of production (1848) with a total run of about 7000 revolvers from 1848 – 1850. Finding a 1st Model Dragoon in very good, untouched and all original condition, as this one, is rarely found.
Dragoon Condition
The Revolver is an early 1st Model Colt Dragoon, serial number 3223. It’s a civilian issue, showing heavy frontier use. It’s in very good overall condition with all it’s original parts with matching numbers on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, backstrap, wedge, and the cylinder arbor. It displays an overall gun metal grey/brown patina with no original blue finish left. There is some light pitting on the barrel assembly, but the case-colored frame shows the same patina as the barrel, but with no pitting.
The left side of the frame has the “Colt’s Patent” marking and “U.S.” under the marking. The brass backstrap and trigger guard display an aged patina with just traces of silver plating. The barrel assembly has the left hand “New York City” address. All the markings are sharp and clear. However, the Texas Ranger and Indian Fight cylinder scene is mostly worn away and covered by light pinprick pitting – only the serial number is still visible. The screws appear to be original and some may be period replaced, most with different degrees of buggerd screw slots. The original one-piece walnut grips are very good, showing minor contusions, rubs, and nicks that have smoothed with age and use. Also, the grips show no losses.
The mechanics are good and the gun functions as it should with the original, very stiff hammer spring. The cylinder locks up tight and the bore is very good to fine – showing shiny bright rifling.
The Rig is an early catalog, double loop holster with a three-quarter length, Texas style skirt. It shows frontier use and wear, consistent with the revolver. It has a rolled border tooling on the pouch and loops. Catalog markings “45” & “7 ½” are on the bottom of the skirt, behind the pouch. It retains all its stitching and shows a few rub spots on the upper area of the pouch and on the upper loop. The belt is a simple 1 ¾” wide x 37” long belt showing some simple stamping. The buckle is a semi-fancy, un-plated, brass buckle of the same period with chiseled “SOLID BRASS” on the back side. Both belt and holster are in very good overall condition with no damages or losses.
The knife & sheath are also from the same era. The knife is a hand forged fighting style weapon with a bone gripped handle. It shows heavy wear and use but no maker markings. The leather sheath is an attractive, quality made sheath in very good solid condition.
History: These early Colt Dragoons were popular firearms in the 1850’s & 1860’s, particularly among U. S. Dragoons, Texas Rangers, and civilian pioneers. They were known for their robust construction and reliability in harsh frontier conditions. They were also coveted revolvers during the early years of the California Gold Rush. At that time in California, they were selling for inflated prices up to $300. The demand was great and the supply small. Few have survived in original, fully functional condition as this one. Its an honest, 1st Model Dragoon from a historical era of American history.
We will sell them separately; The revolver for $8000.00, or the rig (with knife) for $2000.00.
Clarks Antiques Firearms – Colt 1st Model Dragoon & Rig – Price $9,000.00
Item #1879
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