This original, historic, and scarce 2^nd Model, government-issue Colt Dragoon is in fine condition. One of only 2,700 of these handsome, hard shooting Second Model Dragoon revolvers were produced by Samuel Colt at his New York City facility between 1850 and 1851. These hefty revolvers, usually issued in pairs, weigh 4 pounds, 2 ounces each and were made to be used with holsters mounted on horseback, hence the name ‘horse pistols.’ They were not expected to be carried on the person of the soldier.

This revolver, under a government contract of May 8, 1851, for 2,000 units, is a .44 caliber specimen with a 6-shot unrebated cylinder fitted to a round, 7½” long barrel. Bore, slightly dusty, is in fine condition with seven grove rifling still strong. Would clean to bright. Barrel has a German-silver front blade sight along with the maker markings “-ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW YORK CITY-” on the top flat of frame. The horse pistol has matching serial numbers of # 9106 on the barrel, frame, loading lever, triggerguard, butt plate, and spline, indicating a production date of the last quarter of 1850. A different serial # (9177) is stamped on the cylinder, likely done at the factory in the same time frame. Wedge is not numbered. Gun metal shows evidence of cleaning and high polishing overall with slight traces of factory tinning still remaining on the wedge. Left side of barrel near the muzzle shows a 2½” long oval area of light oxidation. Frame and barrel both show tiny spots of pitting. No original case colors remain. Lower left side of the frame exhibits the two-line “COLT’S / PATENT / U. S.” stamping on the three-screw frame.

Grips are of one-piece varnished walnut in excellent condition. Just few dings and little wear. No government inspector’s cartouches. Sub inspector marks visible on the barrel, cylinder, and triggerguard. Brass, squareback triggerguard and back strap wear a mellow bronze patina. The large cylinder measures 2 3/16” long and shows the six rectangular stops and the six stop slots. A remarkable, super detailed, roll engraved cylinder scene depicts the ‘Ranger and Indian’ fight scene. Also very clear on the cylinder is the engraving “MODEL U.S.M.R.” over “9117” over “COLT’S PATENT.” This revolver was never made to adapt to the detachable shoulder stock; no recoil shield cutouts nor the groove in the heel of the backstrap. In mechanically tight and crisp condition. Screws not buggered. This historic, hard to find, government issued, 2^nd Model Colt Dragoon revolver is a fine collectible.

DISCLAIMER: All firearms are sold as collector's items only - we do not accept responsibility as to the shooting safety or reliability of any antique firearm. All firearms are described as accurately as possible, given the restraints of a catalog listing length. We want satisfied customers & often "under" describe the weapons. Any city or state regulations regarding owning antique firearms are the responsibility of the purchaser. All firearms are "mechanically perfect" unless noted, but again, are NOT warranted as safe to fire.

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