May 13-15, 2025 Firearms and Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/13/2025
On July 23, 1852 100 Colt Second Model Dragoons were requested by the State of Massachusetts under the provisions of the act of April 23, 1808. These 100 pistols were ordered on July 26, 1852 under order number 244. They were delivered sometime before the end of year 1852 and were at the Cambridge Arsenal by 1853. They were all subsequently marked in front of the trigger guard with M S for Massachusetts. The lower left side of the grip is marked with a boxed JCB cartouche for the Army sub inspector Joseph C. Bragg. The lower right side has an oval cartouche with WAT in it for the Army inspector Captain William A. Thornton. There are also "B" inspector marks on the frame, hammer, cylinder, top of the barrel, backstrap and trigger guard. There is a "US" stamped under "COLT's / PATENT" on the left side of the frame. Single line address on top of the barrel, "-ADDRESS SAML. COLT NEW YORK CITY-". The cylinder is engraved with a mounted Dragoons and Indians scene and is marked Model U.S.M.R. Matching serial numbers on the barrel assembly, frame, trigger guard, backstrap and the cylinder. Last four matching numbers on the ramrod. Last three matching numbers on the arbor. The wedge is mismatched and is number 342. With only 2700 second model Dragoons manufactured and this being M S marked it is a very rare and desirable gun. It comes with the book Massachusetts Marked Colt Second Model Dragoon Revolvers by Douglas L. Hays, Jr. 2013. CONDITION: This gun's finish has turned to an even gray brown patina. The brass trigger guard and backstrap have a mellow aged look. The cylinder scene is crisp and vibrant. The single piece grip fits the gun exceedingly well. The action works correctly and locks up tight and indexes fine. The bore is surprisingly fine. There are just a couple of small spots in the lands and grooves.
Paperwork
Owner historical record