This U.S. Contract Model 1848 Dragoon revolver was manufactured c. 1851. This pistol was manufactured as part of the Fifth Contract between Colt and the Ordnance Department executed on May 8, 1851, for 2,000 pistols (approximate serial numbers 8500-12000). The combination of rectangular cylinder stops and square-back brass trigger guard identify the revolver as a Second Model Dragoon. The part-octagon/part-round barrel has a nickel-silver front sight blade, and the top barrel flat is roll-stamped with the legend: "-ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY-" reading from the muzzle to the breech. The cylinder is roll-engraved with the Ranger and Indian fight scene and "MODEL U.S.M.R./COLTS PATENT" on either side of the serial number. "COLTS/PATENT/U.S." is roll-stamped in three lines near the left front of the frame. A "B" Ordnance sub-inspection mark is stamped on the top barrel flat, left side of the frame, cylinder, left side of the hammer, bottom of the trigger guard and top of the back strap. The lower left side of the one-piece walnut grip is stamped with the Ordnance sub-inspector's script initials "JSB" enclosed in a rectangle, and the lower right side of the grip is stamped with the Ordnance final inspector's script initials "WAT" enclosed in an oval. The full serial number is stamped: (1) on the bottom of the barrel lug, (2) bottom of the frame, (3) bottom of the trigger guard, (4) bottom of the back strap and (5) side of the cylinder. The partial serial number "1085" is stamped on the loading lever. All of the visible serial numbers match. The U.S. Contract Model 1848 Dragoon revolvers were the primary handguns of the First and Second Dragoon Regiments and the U.S. Mounted Riflemen from 1849 until the Civil War. These scarce and historic revolvers saw hard service on the frontier and have a low survival rate. They are desirable in any condition.