Only around 7,000 First Model Dragoons were manufactured in 1848-1849, and they are important pieces in Colt firearms history as one of the massive "holster pistols" manufactured by Colt following the famous Colt Walker revolvers of 1847. The first models were followed by 2,700 Second Model Dragoons and 10,500 Third Model Dragoons. All of the Dragoon models saw considerable use during both the antebellum period and the Civil War. As such, they are very difficult to find in high condition since many spent years riding in pommel holsters. This revolver clearly was spared that fate and is one of the best in terms of condition. The high condition combined with the fact that it also features the scarce and desirable "U.S. DRAGOONS" marking rather than "U.S.M.R." on the cylinder and a "2 USD" marking on the trigger guard make it particularly rare and desirable. The trigger guard marking presumably relates to the 2nd U.S. Dragoons. The troopers of 2nd Dragoons guarded the frontier and protected settlers in the West during the antebellum era. Its companies were often on detached service to provide security for large areas, and they were faced with potential conflict out of Mexico, religious, political, and sectional conflicts in the territories; continued raids by the Comanche and Apache in the Southwest, and conflicts with the various tribes of the Great Plains including the various Sioux tribes. The blued U.S. Dragoons cylinder was specifically created by Samuel Colt for Colt’s ally, General William Harney’s 2nd U.S. Dragoons. The new U.S. Dragoon cylinder first appears intermittently in the commercial range at about 3085 and in the US military production commencing in about the 3800 serial number range. This extraordinary revolver dates to 1848. The barrel has a German silver blade front sight and "ADDRESS SAML. COLT NEW-YORK CITY" reading from the breech towards the muzzle. The cylinder has the Texas Ranger and Comanche running battle scene, the correct oval stop slots and single safety pin of the First Model Dragoons, and the noted rare and desirable "U.S. DRAGOONS" marking. The frame has "COLT'S/PATENT/U.S." stamped on the left. The loading lever, wedge, and arbor are numbered "547", and "3547" is marked on the cylinder, barrel, frame, trigger guard, and back strap. All of the noted serial numbers match. There is also a "2 USD" markings between the serial number and the trigger guard bow. Provenance: The Dr. Edward Feldman Collection; Property of a Gentleman

Extraordinarily fine with 85% original blue finish, strong original case colors mixed with gray patina on, 95% plus original aged silver plating on the back strap, patches of additional original silver plating in the protected areas of the trigger guard, and generally fairly minor wear associated with age and storage rather than use. The bore appears essentially as if the revolver was never fired. The grip is very fine and has strong varnish finish, a small chip at the toe on the left, and mild dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent. Overall, this is an exceptional and highly desirable example of the rare "US DRAGOONS" marked Colt First Model Dragoon.