GUN FALL 2017
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/31/2017
MARTIALLY MARKED COLT 3RD MODEL DRAGOON PERCUSSION REVOLVER. COLT 3RD MODEL 16801 44 Cal. 44. Usual configuration with 7-1/2" oct-rnd bbl, German silver front sight and 1-line address. Top flat has a 3-leaf sight in a dovetail on the top flat near the breech end. Frame is 4-screw type cut for shoulder stock with flat head hammer screw and left front has a small "COLTS PATENT" over a tiny "U.S.". The brass trigger guard and steel backstrap contain a 1-pc walnut grip with last four digits of matching SN in backstrap channel, which have been overwritten with the full SN in pencil. Cylinder is usual 6-shots with Dragoon/Indian fight scene roll marking and "MODEL U.S.M.R. / COLT'S PATENT" panels surrounding the SN. One safety pin is still serviceable. Left side of grip has a faint cartouche which appears to be "GDS" (G.D. Shattuck) and the right side a legible cartouche "WAT" (William A. Thornton) and various parts have small inspector initials. According to Flayderman's Guide to Antique American Firearms there were about 10,500 3rd Model Dragoons produced from 1851-1861 in both 7-1/2" and 8" variations with both 3 and 4-screw frames. They were virtually all issued to front line troops for use in the early frontier Indian Wars and continued in service throughout the Civil War, usually seeing very hard service and are rarely found today with any orig finish. PROVENANCE: Collection of Robert Roughton. CONDITION: Fine, all matching including wedge and grip. No orig finish remains being an overall mottled brown patina with pitting on right side of bbl lug, on the rammer and at the muzzle. Frame also has an area of pitting at the right front end of the frame. Frame, hammer & backstrap have matching patina; cylinder is a lighter patina with a few small spots of pitting and shows 60-70% Dragoon/Indian fight scene roll marking. Trigger guard retains a dark mustard patina. Grip has a gouge on bottom right edge and overall shows moderate to heavy wear and retains a dark hand worn patina. Mechanics are fine, strong bright bore with moderate pitting. 52328-13 JR375 (8,000-10,000)