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Scarce Colt U.S. Contract Third Model Dragoon Revolver with Shoulder Stock

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:0.00 USD Estimated At:8,500.00 - 13,000.00 USD
Scarce Colt U.S. Contract Third Model Dragoon Revolver with Shoulder Stock
Produced in 1858, with the distinctive four-screw frame, recoil shield cutouts and folding leaf rear sight. The shoulder stock is the third pattern, with a sling ring mounted behind the hook, the number "17327/1732" on the underside of the tang, the Ordnance inspector's script initials "WAT" in an oval on the right wrist and the initials of the Ordnance sub-inspector in an oval on the left. The revolver is marked: "-ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW--YORK CITY- " in a single line on the top of the barrel, partially obscured by the rear sight. The cylinder is roll-engraved with the Indian and Ranger scene and "MODEL U.S.M.R./COLTS PATENT" on either side of the serial number, and the left front of the frame is marked "COLTS/PATENT/U.S." in three lines. The initial "C" is stamped on the cylinder, "K" is stamped on the backstrap and on the trigger guard and "M" is stamped on the left trigger guard shoulder and the upper left barrel flat. The full serial number, "17171" is stamped on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, backstrap and cylinder. The top of the loading lever is stamped "7171". With documentation from a previous owner, including a copy of the Samuel Colt's patent for the buttstock in this lot.
BBL: 7 1/2 inch part octagon
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 44 percussion
Finish: blue/ casehardened
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 17171
Condition: Fine as cleaned, with an attractive gray aged patina overall. Nicks and scratches are visible on the barrel lug, deeper on the right side, with light pitting on the loading lever, hammer, lug and backstrap. 60% of the Indian and Ranger scene remains. Very good triggerguard, with an attractive age patina. Screw heads are slightly battered. Grips are good as revarnished, with slight shrinkage, light handling wear and old chips. Mechanically very good. The shoulder stock is in good condition overall, showing a similar cleaned gray patina on the metal fittings, signs of an old welded repair, on the yoke, sanded and refinished stock with a small repair at the toe and several small holes repaired with filler on both sides. The Ordnance inspector's initials on the right wrist are legible; the sub-inspector's initials on the left wrist are visible but not legible. This is a good looking example of a U.S. contract Colt Third Dragoon Revolver with issue shoulder stock. Stocked U.S. Colt Dragoon revolvers are rare in any condition.