April 11-13, 2023 Firearms and Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/11/2023
One of the rarest Confederate revolvers with only about 12 surviving out of 105 purchased for the enlisted men of the C.L. Dragoons (Crocheron Light Dragoons) by their benefactor and namesake John J. Crocheron, who was a wealthy warehouse business and plantation owner. The C.L. Dragoons, were part of the 3rd Alabama Cavalry, also known as Holloway's Light Dragoons officially recognized as Company K, 3rd Alabama Cavalry of Dallas County Alabama. The C.L. Dragoons' service history is quite illustrious and consisted of honorable duties including serving as personal guard, escort, and couriers for 3 of the 8 total full Generals in the Confederate Army including General Braxton Bragg, General John Bell Hood, and General Joseph E. Johnston. In standard configuration for a 3rd Model Dragoon cut for shoulder stock, including sights, relief cut in gas shield, and cut on backstrap near butt. Matching serial numbers observed on rammer, barrel, cylinder arbor, cylinder, frame, trigger guard, and butt. Marked on left barrel flat "C.L. Dragoons" which is consistent with all of the other known examples. Accompanied by a factory letter dated December 11, 2018 documenting configuration as well as shipment to Cooper & Pond of New York, New York on February 16, 1861, which is also consistent with all known examples. Additionally, a binder of information on the 3rd Alabama Cavalry, the C.L. Dragoons, a C.L. Dragoon roster, and a copy of the 1991 January issue of The Gun Report which includes an article on these guns is also included. CONDITION: Good, with virtually all of the original finishes turned a dark gray patina with freckling throughout. Wedge is a non-period replacement, cylinder has had area from nipples to cylinder stops machined away during the period for unknown reason, period replaced hammer, and hammer screw for shoulder stock is an aged replacement. Grips are good, showing significant wear, but no major cracks. Mechanically fine. Bore is dark with visible rifling.
Caliber/Bore
.44 Percussion