pistols, and among its most desirable variations are the NEW HAMPSHIRE and MS (Massachusetts) marked militia issues. Only a few of these are known to collectors, and only a few hundred were originally made; they normally appear in the serials within about 10000 to the lower 11000 range.
Military issue Second Model with government inspector markings on the grips and various metal parts:
5B-025
| 5B-025 | Values—Good $4,500 | Fine $30,000 |
Civilian Second Model; varnished walnut grips and standard finish:
| 5B-026 | Values—Good $4,250 | Fine $27,500 |
NEW HAMPSHIRE or MS militia issue Second Model:
| 5B-027 | Values—Good $5,250 | Fine $35,000 |
Colt Third Model Dragoon Revolver
Third Model Dragoon Revolver. Manufactured from c. 1851 to c. 1861; in a total of about 10,500.
44 caliber. 6-shot cylinder. 7-1/2" part round, part octagonal barrel.
Grips of one piece walnut. Casehardened frame, hammer, and lever; the remainder blued. Gripstraps standard of brass, plated in silver for civilian sales, and left unfinished for the military.
Serial numbering began about 10200 (overlapping with some of the Second Model) and continued to about 19600.
Barrel markings are two slight variants of: ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY. As standard with predecessor models, COLT’S/PATENT was stamped on the left side of the frame, with government issue revolvers having U.S. centered beneath. The Texas Ranger and Indian fight scene was roll engraved on the cylinders. U.S.M.R. cylinder markings most often encountered; U.S. DRAGOONS scarce and bring an added premium.
Spotting a Third Model is relatively easy—simply look for the combination of rectangular cylinder stop slots and rounded trigger guard, the two basic features. Several variations have been noted in this type. Most important are:
Shoulder Stocked Pistols: An estimated 1,200 to 1,500 Third Models were cut for attachment of shoulder stocks. The stocks were in three basic types—the First pattern attached to the revolver via two prongs which engaged two slots in the backstrap; the Second type attached by one prong engaging a slot in the backstrap, and a hook which clamped onto the butt; the Third, and most commonly encountered pattern, had extensions on its yoke which fit into cutouts on each side of the revolver’s recoil shield, and had a hook which clamped onto the butt. All three stock designs were made plain (standard) or with canteen inserts. Backstrap slots serve basically to identify Third Model Dragoons cut for the First and Second type shoulder stocks; pistols cut for the Third type are standard with four-screw frames, notched recoil shields, a groove in the heel of the backstrap, folding leaf sights dovetailed onto the barrel (through the roll die marking), blued steel backstrap, and half moon shaped front sight.
Both First and Second pattern of stocks are found in the serial range of 13,000 to 16,000. Both are very rare. (First Pattern a bit more so). Third Pattern stock is the type standard on all four percussion Colt revolvers adapted for stocks (the Dragoon, 1860 Army; Model 1851 Navy and 1861 Navy). Usually found in serial range 16,000 to 17,000 and range 18,000 to 19,000.
A quite scarce variation of martially marked Third Models is that found with the hand engraved marking on the barrel lug: C.L. DRAGOONS. These pistols are militia issues, and are similar to the NEW HAMPSHIRE and MS guns found in the Second Model production.
The Third Model is the least scarce of all Colt Dragoons, and is the most representative type of Dragoon production. The collector looking for a specimen of the Colt “four pounder” should start with the Third Model.
Standard Third Model Dragoon revolver:
5B-028
| 5B-028 | Values—Good $4,000 | Fine $25,000 |
Martially marked (U.S., and government inspector stampings) Third Models:
| 5B-029 | Values—Good $4,250 | Fine $30,000 |
Shoulder-stocked revolvers. Those fitted for shoulder stocks usually found with iron backstraps, although a few retained original brass backstraps. Dragoons fitted for third type (most commonly encountered) attachable stock have four-screw frames.
First and Second types, Pistol:
5B-030
| 5B-030 | Values—Good $4,750 | Fine $30,000 |
First and Second types, Stock:
| 5B-031 | Values—Good $5,500 | Fine $10,000 |
Third type, Pistol:
| 5B-032 | Values—Good $4,000 | Fine $27,500 |
Third type, Stock:
| 5B-033 | Values—Good $3,750 | Fine $8,500 |
(Note: If stock has canteen insert feature worth 25 percent to 50 percent premium.)
C.L. Dragoon variation: a survey of known specimens found almost all with 8" barrels. A single specimen of the M-1851 Navy also known with identical markings. Formerly believed to denote “CONNECTICUT LIGHT DRAGOONS,” more recent evidence indicates the markings designate the CROCHERON LIGHT DRAGOONS an Alabama militia unit later mustered into Confederate service as Capt. Halloway’s Company of Alabama cavalry:
| 5B-034 | Values—Good $12,000 | Fine $60,000 |
8" barrel variation; generally high serial numbers (18000 and above), very limited production; scarce (iron backstrap very rare; worth premium of 25 percent):
| 5B-035 | Values—Good $6,250 | Fine $37,500 |