Colt 3rd Model Dragoon .44 Cal Percussion Revolver MFD 1857 Antique
SOLD FOR: $3,000
WOA#: WY240120EC013
Make: Colt
Model: 3rd Model Dragoon
Serial Number: 16347
Year of Manufacture: 1857
Caliber: .44 Cap and Ball
Action Type: Single Action Cap and Ball Revolver
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “-ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW YORK CITY-”. The left side of the frame is marked “COLTS / PATENT / U.S.”. The bottom of the barrel assembly, frame, trigger guard frame, and bottom of the grip frame is marked “16347”. The cylinder is marked “16347”. The left side of the barrel flat is marked “H”. The top of the loading lever is marked “6347”. The left side of the trigger guard is marked “V”. The right side of the trigger guard frame flat is marked “X”. The barrel wedge is marked “6347”.
Barrel Length: The half round half octagon barrel is 7 ½”.
Sights / Optics: This revolver is mounted with a “v” grooved hammer and a brass blade front sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is a one piece brown hardwood with an oiled finish that shows oil staining. The grips show compression marks on the bottom edges with handling marks and a few compression marks on the sides. There are a few small chips on the left at the bottom. There are no cracks. The grips rate in about Fine overall condition for antique.
Type of Finish: The barrel and cylinder are blued, the frame, loading lever and hammer are case colored, and the trigger guard and backstrap are brass.
Finish Originality: All Original
Bore Condition: The bore is intermittently bright with well defined rifling. There is scattered erosion throughout and some corrosion concentrated at the muzzle. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 6/10 for antique.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 10% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows shows some faint case coloring on the frame but the rest of the revolver has gone to white with scattered erosion, nicks, scuffs, scratches, and patina. There brass has some tarnishing mainly on the top of the backstrap around the screws. The markings on the cylinder are almost completely faded except for the serial number. Overall, this revolver rates in about Good condition for antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder lockup shows only a very small amount of play and the trigger pull is crisp. We have not fired this pistol. As with all used firearms a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet all you maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: The Colt 3rd Model Dragoon holds a prestigious place in the pantheon of American firearms history, embodying the spirit of innovation and the quest for reliability and power that characterized the mid-19th century. Manufactured by Colt’s Patent Fire Arms Manufacturing Company between 1851 and 1861, the 3rd Model Dragoon was the culmination of improvements made to its predecessors, the 1st and 2nd Model Dragoons. This revolver was designed to address the needs of the U.S. cavalry, offering a formidable solution to the challenges faced by mounted troops in terms of firepower and durability.
Distinguished by its heavy .44 caliber round, the 3rd Model Dragoon was a powerful sidearm capable of delivering significant damage at close to medium ranges, a critical feature in the tumultuous environments of the American frontier and the early stages of the Civil War. The revolver featured several key improvements over its earlier versions, including a stronger frame, a redesigned grip for better handling, and a more efficient loading lever. Additionally, the 3rd Model Dragoon was equipped with a rectangular cylinder stop not found on the earlier models, which helped enhance the revolver’s reliability and safety.
The impact of the Colt 3rd Model Dragoon extended beyond its technical specifications; it was a symbol of American ingenuity and the expansion westward, playing a vital role in the hands of soldiers, lawmen, and adventurers alike. The revolver’s robust construction, coupled with Colt’s reputation for quality, made it a sought-after weapon during its time of production and a prized collector’s item today.
In summary, the Colt 3rd Model Dragoon’s place in history is secured not only by its contributions to firearm technology and military effectiveness but also by its role in the narrative of the American West. It stands as a testament to the era’s technological advancements and the enduring legacy of Samuel Colt’s vision for dependable and powerful firearms. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.
