GUN SPRING 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/14/2016
RARE COLT 2ND MODEL DRAGOON PERCUSSION REVOLVER WITH PROTOTYPE OR EXPERIMENTAL BACKSTRAP STOCK ATTACHMENT. COLT 2ND MDL DRAGOON 8514 44 CAL Cal. 44. Usual configuration with 7-1/2" oct to rnd bbl, German silver front sight and 1-line New York City address. Left side of frame is marked "COLT''S PATENT" over a tiny U.S. The silver plated brass square-back trigger guard & backstrap contain a 1-pc walnut grip. Cyl is unfluted with Ormsby Dragoon/Indian fight scene roll marking and has the "U.S. DRAGOONS / COLT''S PATENT" cartouches surrounding the SN. Cyl spindle has had the tip rounded, apparently to facilitate rapid cyl change and unusually has a small inspector initial on the spindle. There are small inspector initials on various other parts. This revolver, although numbered well into the 2nd Model production serial range has features of the 1st Model, including oval cyl stop notches, a single safety pin and the V-shaped hammer spring. Backstrap has an unusual slot in the lower half for a stock attachment. Inside the grip is a steel plate that is riveted to the backstrap. The area surrounding the slot on the outside is flattened to accommodate the stock lug and has orig silver plating over that area indicating that it was probably a factory arsenal product. This is a somewhat unusual attachment which resembles the Springfield Model 1855 hook attachment system. PROVENANCE: The Estate of G. W. "Bill" Stewart of Sonora, Texas. CONDITION: Very good to fine, all matching except wedge which is a very old period of use replacement. Grip is unquestionably the orig to this revolver, however the milling process to accommodate the stock lug obliterated any numbers. Overall, the metal is a smooth blue/grey patina with some light file marks by the front sight. Cyl is matching patina and shows about 65-70% Dragoon/Indian fight scene roll marking with the cartouches and Ormsby signature all legible. Grip has chipped toes and shows heavy wear with a hand worn patina. Mechanics are fine. Brilliant shiny bore, shows very little use. 49973-495 JR43 (10,000-20,000)