GUN FALL 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/4/2016
RARE AND FINE "NEW HAMPSHIRE" MARKED MARTIAL COLT DRAGOON 2ND MODEL PERCUSSION REVOLVER.COLT2ND MODEL DM600N1022544Cal. 44. Rare New Hampshire Dragoon, blue and color case hardened with 7-1/2" oct to rnd bbl, nickel silver front sight and right hand address. Left side of bbl lug is marked "NEW HAMPSHIRE". Left side of frame has a tiny "COLT'S PATENT" over a tiny "U.S.". The square back brass trigger guard & backstrap contain an oil finished 1-pc walnut grip with clear, legible "JH" (Joseph Hannis) inspector cartouche on left side and "WAT" (William A. Thornton) sub-inspector cartouche on the right side. Almost every part on the revolver has tiny inspector initials. Cylinder has the Ormsby Dragoon-Indian fight scene roll marking and "MODEL U.S.M.R." and "COLT'S PATENT" cartouches surrounding the SN. There were only about 1,000 of these guns produced under government contract, 1850-1851. The 2nd Model Dragoon was the lowest production of all the Dragoon models and of that limited production, only a few hundred were issued to the New Hampshire militia. This is a fine matching, tight, complete, well functioning example retaining strong traces of bright finish and crisp markings. CONDITION: Very good to fine, all matching including bbl, frame, trigger guard, buttstrap, loading arm, cylinder, wedge and grip. Bbl retains strong traces of orig blue, especially above the loading assembly and protected areas, the balance is a mottled grey patina with scattered areas of staining and light pitting. Frame, loading assembly and hammer are matching grey/silver with scattered areas of staining and pitting with traces of case colors in protected areas. Cylinder has matching grey patina with traces of finish in several of the stops. Cylinder scene is mostly discernible, 75%+ with areas of staining and pitting. Cylinder pins are all smashed, though gun still rotates and locks well. Trigger guard & backstrap exhibit light brass patina with minor cosmetic blemishes. Grip is sound and well fit, showing edge wear with hand worn patina and scattered dings and dents. Cartouches are both discernible as can be seen in photos. Mechanically gun functions well with well defined crisp rifling, staining and pitting. 50458-1 JS (10,000-15,000)