This is an example of a U.S. contract Colt Third Model Dragoon revolver that was manufactured in 1851. The revolver has the round brass trigger guard and rectangular cylinder stops found on Third Model Dragoons. The top flat of the barrel is marked "{ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW YORK CITY}", the left side of the frame is marked "COLTS/PATENT" over "U.S.", the left upper front of the trigger guard is marked with a small "F", and the area ahead of the trigger is marked with a small "S". The cylinder is roll engraved with the Ranger and Indian battle scene and marked "MODEL U.S.M.R./COLT'S PATENT". The complete matching serial number is stamped on the barrel lug, frame, barrel wedge, trigger guard, cylinder and back strap, the partial number "1998" is on the loading lever, and the partial serial number "998" is on the arbor pin. Standard brass blade front sight and hammer notch rear sight and fitted with smooth one-piece walnut grip with a faint cartouche on both sides. The Ordnance Department purchased 5,386 Colt Third Model Dragoon revolvers between 1851 and 1860. Most of these revolvers saw hard use on the frontier with the U.S. Dragoons and Mounted Rifles and were subsequently used by both sides during the Civil War.