Lot 1222: Scarce Colt U.S. Contract 3rd Model Dragoon Revolver with Long Range Rear Sight and Four-Screw Frame

Scarce Colt U.S. Contract 3rd Model Dragoon Revolver with Long Range Rear Sight and Four-Screw Frame
Manufactured in 1858, this late-production 3rd Dragoon Revolver features the four-screw frame, slotted recoil shields and backstrap for a detachable shoulder stock. A folding leaf, long range, rear sight is fitted to a dovetail on the barrel flat. The top of the barrel flat is roll-stamped: "-ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY-" The cylinder is roll-engraved with the Ranger and Indian scene and "MODEL U.S.M.R./COLT'S PATENT". The left side of the frame is roll-stamped: COLTS/PATENT/US". "C" Ordnance sub-inspection markings on the barrel lug, cylinder and trigger guard. A "L" Colt sub-inspection mark stamped on the left front trigger guard bow and "M" sub-inspection marks are stamped on the left side of the trigger guard and the top of the back strap. Very faint Ordnance rectangular inspection marks with script initials on the sides of the grip. The full serial number, "17255" is located on the barrel, cylinder, trigger guard and backstrap. The partial serial number, "7255" is stamped on the correct casecolored loading lever and cylinder arbor pin. The wedge is not serial numbered. Only 1050 of these late, four screw, 3rd Model Dragoon Revolvers were purchased by the Ordnance Department from 1857-1860.

Very good plus. The revolver has a mottled silver-gray patina . The metal surfaces have not been cleaned and show scattered light pitting and age discoloration with minor dents and scratches. Most of the cylinder scene is clearly visible. The serial numbers, barrel and frame markings and Colt and Ordnance sub-inspection marks are strong. The cylinder pins are battered. The rear of the cylinder, percussion nipples, hammer and hammer slot have moderate-heavy flash pitting. Traces of original casecolors present on the loading lever. The brass trigger guard has not been polished and is in very good condition with clear Colt and Ordnance sub-inspection marks. The walnut grip is in very good overall condition with moderate handling wear. The inspector's and sub-inspector's stamps are visible on both sides of the grip. The rear sight leaves are not numbered; the rear sight may be a replacement. All other components appear to be original to the revolver. The action is fully functional. This is a solid and very original example of a seldom encountered, U.S. Contract Colt 3rd Model Dragoon revolver with four-screw frame and folding leaf rear sights. An impressive U.S. martial Colt 3rd Model Dragoon revolver in good overall condition.