Colt 1848 Baby Dragoon .31 Cal Captain Chauncey McKeever Civil War Antique
SOLD FOR: $2,585
WOA#: WY240120EC006
Make: Colt
Model: 1848 Pocket, “Baby Dragoon”
Serial Number: 10345
Year of Manufacture: 1849 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .31 Caliber Cap and Ball
Action Type: Single Action Percussion Revolver
Markings: The markings on top of the barrel are almost completely faded. The left of the frame is marked “COLT’S / PATENT”. The bottom of the barrel assembly, frame, trigger guard, and backstrap are each marked “10345”. The outside of the cylinder has “COLTS / 10345”. The backstrap inlet of the grip has had a fabric strip installed, obscuring whatever serial marking may have been present. The right of the trigger guard has a “T” inspector’s mark. The left side of the trigger guard is marked “Q”. The top of the backstrap is marked “-From- / Freeman & Co. / -to- / C.Mc. Kee.”. The barrel wedge is marked “345”.
Barrel Length: 4”, Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass post threaded to the barrel at the muzzle. The rear sight is a “V” notch at the front of the hammer, visible when cocked.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is one-piece smooth walnut. The grip has light handling wear with some scattered small nicks and scratches. There is dark discoloration where the grips meet the frame. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grip is in Fine condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Blued, Case Color & Silver-Plated Brass
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright where not interrupted by erosion. The rifling is defined. There is scattered erosion throughout the bore but concentrated primarily at the muzzle end to the mid length. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 5.5/10 for antique.
Most antique firearms have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but also to the use of black powder. When fired, black powder reacts corrosively. NRA Antique Firearm Conditions Standards are quite lenient for bores. In some cases, the NRA standards disregarded the bore’s condition for collector’s firearms.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 20% of its metal finish. Most of the silver plating remains on the brass frame. The rest of the pistol has gone to white with some general erosion and some minor pitting scattered about the barrel and cylinder. The steel parts have mostly worn to white or gone to a light patina. There is infrequent minor surface erosion and some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with usable slots. The markings are generally clear, some are worn. If there was a stagecoach scene on the cylinder, it is no longer visible. Overall, this revolver is in about Very Good condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The barrel has no play to the frame. The cylinder locks up with some play on each chamber but not enough to raise concern and is to be expected for a pistol of its age and provenance. We have not fired this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: Brigadier General (Brevet) Chauncey McKeever’s distinguished career reflects significant contributions to the Union Army during the American Civil War, alongside notable service before and after the conflict. Born into a military family in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1828, McKeever’s early exposure to military life set the stage for his lifelong dedication to service. His graduation from the United States Military Academy in 1849 and subsequent assignment to the artillery laid the groundwork for a diverse military career that spanned several key moments in American history.
McKeever’s involvement in the Seminole War and his role as an assistant professor of mathematics at West Point showcased his versatility and commitment to duty. His participation in the Utah Expedition and conflicts with western Native American tribes further demonstrated his capabilities and preparedness for the complex challenges he would face during the Civil War.
Appointed captain at the Civil War’s outset, McKeever quickly proved his mettle, serving under Major W.T. Sherman as an instructor of artillery. His roles on the staffs of Generals Heintzelman, McDowell, and Fremont, and especially as Chief of Staff for the III Corps during the Peninsula campaign, were critical in the Union’s efforts in Virginia, where he was engaged in significant battles including Yorktown, Williamsburg, Malvern Hill, and Second Bull Run.
Promoted to lieutenant colonel in 1862, McKeever’s subsequent assignment to special duty at the War Department and his service in the Provost Marshal’s General Bureau underscored his administrative acumen and strategic importance to the Union effort, particularly in recruiting and organizing volunteers.
His brevet promotion to brigadier general on March 13, 1865, was a testament to his “diligent, faithful, and meritorious services in the adjutant-general’s department,” marking him as a key figure in the administrative and operational success of the Union Army. McKeever’s career, marked by versatility, dedication, and leadership, offers a window into the complexities of military service during one of America’s most tumultuous periods, highlighting the critical roles played by officers in shaping the outcome of the Civil War and the course of American history.
Though sources are scarce, it is believed that this pistol was presented to Chauncey upon his graduation from the United States Military Academy in 1849 as either a gift, promotion, or even endorsement. The revolver is in Very Good condition as Antique, retaining quite a bit of silver plate on the grip frame, strong mechanics with original wedge, and a nice bore for its age. While the later 1849 Pocket model would go on to sell more than 300,000 pieces, only around 15,000 of the “Baby Dragoon” models were produced, making this a great find for the Colt collector. Please see our photos and good luck! – L.S.
