Only an estimated 7,000 Colt First Model Dragoon revolvers were manufactured between 1848-1850. The First Model Dragoon is an important descendant of the famous Colt Walker revolver, which debuted just one year earlier, and was meant for use by the U.S. Mounted Riflemen and U.S. Dragoons. These revolvers saw use on the western frontier in the antebellum era and on the battlefields of the Civil War in both Union and Confederate hands. This specific revolver was manufactured in 1848, the first year of production. It has the distinctive First Model oval cylinder stops and brass square back trigger guard. "ADDRESS SAMl COLT NEW-YORK CITY" marked on the top barrel flat. "COLT'S/PATENT/U.S." marked on the left of the frame. Standard "MODEL U.S.M.R./COLT'S PATENT" marked cylinder with the Texas Ranger and Indian fight scene. Matching full or partial serial numbers are on the frame, trigger guard, butt, cylinder, and cylinder pin. The matching serial number "4019" is marked on the barrel lug and cylinder with the "0" punched over top of a "6" which may have been a factory error, and "619" is marked loading lever. "644" faintly marked on the replacement wedge. "K" and "B" single letter inspection initials visible on top of the barrel, on the trigger guard, back strap, and top of the left grip panel. Two faint outlines of oval script inspection cartouches are visible on both sides of the one piece walnut grip. Dragoons are important to collectors of antique American revolvers in general, and collectors of Colts in particular as one of Samuel Colt's large "holster pistols" descended from the famous Colt Walker.