Manufactured in 1849. Matching serial numbers are located on the loading lever, wedge, barrel, cylinder, arbor, frame, trigger guard, and back strap. Includes receipts from C.W. Slagle from 1987/88 and an appraisal from Douglas R. Carlson from 1991. Approximately 7,000 First Model Colt Dragoons were manufactured. Most of these were marked "MODEL U.S.M.R." (U.S. Mounted Riflemen), but an undetermined small quantity were marked "U.S. DRAGOONS" like this example. 1849 was the same year the 1st U.S. Dragoons engaged the Pawnee in multiple battles along the Oregon Trail and the 2nd U.S. Dragoons established Fort Worth. The U.S. Dragoons served in multiple posts on the western frontier in this era and remained loyal to the Union at the outbreak of the Civil War.

Very good with original traces of finish in the protected areas, natural aged patina on the brass, mostly gray and brown patina on the balance, and some light pitting and oxidation. The grip is also very good and has six notches on each side at the rear, small chips at the toe, some dents, and mild edge wear. Mechanically fine. This is a very solid example of the historic Colt First Model Dragoon revolvers and features the rarer U.S. Dragoons marking.