This variation was first researched and nicknamed the "Walker Replacement Dragoons" when identified by researcher John J. Fluck in 1956. He estimated 300 were made to replace the Walker revolvers that had failed and indicated they were made for the U.S. military using original Walker parts and reworked parts. More recent research has changed our understanding of this model and shown that they were not replacements for broken Walkers or made from recycled or repaired Walker components as Fluck had theorized but were instead actually the first Dragoon revolvers sold to the U.S. government. These are among the rarest of the roughly 19,000 Colt Dragoon revolvers. This revolver is featured and discussed in the fall 2005 issue of "The Rampant Colt" in the article "'Fluck' or Colt 'Second Contract' Dragoon?" by Derek Povah and where it is noted as one of the revolvers on the "Revised 'Second Contract' List" of 1,000 guns in the known serial number range used by Colt for the U.S. contract for Dragoon revolvers. In the Povah record of serial numbers, an effort was made to inventory credible frame serial numbers only, resulting in the known range 2016-3014. It is known that Colt assigned a block of 1,000 serial numbers for the Second Contract, and, although the number is higher than the commercial production numbers, the focus of production was on the more critical sale to the government creating a situation where the lower numbered commercial models are more evolved in their production than the Second Contract production. There are at least two surviving examples with serial numbers that precede the known range, including serial number 1921, that appear to have been pulled from commercial production to complete the fourth shipment of the Second Contract. A comprehensive article written by advanced Colt collector G. Maxwell Longfield confirming Povah’s opinion that the fourth shipment of Second Contract Dragoons included two or more evolved lower serial numbered Dragoons were included to meet the one-thousand pistol contract. The last surviving Patch grip cartouche on the Povah list is no. 2705, and from serial no. 2772 the dominant cartouche is Bragg. In addition, serial no. 1921 has the later placement of the "COLTS/PATENT" and "U.S." As is well known, Colt had the U.S. stamped on the frame of far more Dragoons than he sold to the U.S. Government. Patch inspected pre-assembly parts appear on guns sold to the U.S. well-beyond the last observed cartouche. These revolvers were issued primarily to the Regiment of Mounted Riflemen commanded by General Persifor Smith who served on the armistice commission that ended hostilities with Mexico and was appointed military governor of Mexico City. Later, as commanding general at Vera Cruz, he oversaw the evacuation of the last United States forces from Mexico. After the war, Smith became the first commander of the Pacific Division, and, subsequently, from 1850 to 1856 commanded the Department of Texas. Many of the pistols saw service in the West prior to the Civil War. during the antebellum era. During the war, these revolvers were likely re-issued to various units. The "P" inspection markings on the revolver's various components are attributed to inspector Nahum W. Patch who also inspected Colt Walker revolvers. Regarding this revolver's provenance, Povah writes, "Unfortunately very few 'Second Contract' Dragoons have positive identification as to their use beyond the initial issuance to Persifor Smith's Regiment of Mounted Riflemen. The story of one revolver, serial number 2626, contributes more questions than answers. Mr. Dale Bryant, of Elmira, New York, a direct descendant of Sergeant Jordan V. Morgan of Company 'E', 13th Regiment Pennsylvania Reserve Infantry, convincingly attests to the fact that Morgan, after his use of number 2626 during the period of his service, returned from the Civil War with the gun." Between May 10, 1849, when the gun may have been re-issued in St. Louis and June 11, 1864, when Morgan mustered out of the service, where 'Second Contract' Dragoon number 2626 had been and how it ended up in Morgan's hands are questions without definitive answers. Logic suggests that by the time the 3rd U.S. Cavalry departed Jefferson Barracks in December of 1862 they would no longer be armed with the 'Second Contract' Dragoons issued to the Regiment of Mounted Riflemen back in 1849. By December 1862 the government had purchased over 60,000 of the new Colt 1860 Army models and it seems that the 3rd U.S. Cavalry's need for revolvers would have been met from that source. It is the author's opinion that because of the Union's need for weapons, substantiated by the U.S. Ordnance Department's open market purchases of Colt Dragoons as late as September of 1861, that it is plausible that when Dragoons such as serial number 2626 that remained serviceable may have been retained to be re-issued. 'Second Contract' Dragoon number 2626 may even have been re-issued to the 13th Regiment Pennsylvania Reserve Infantry, accounting for the possibility of Jonathan Morgan having possession of it." Included with the revolver is a binder of information, including a 1994 notarized statement from Dale E. Bryant indicating this revolver had been passed down to him from his "great, great, great uncle. Mr. Jonathan V. Morgan. It was used by him during the Civil War. He was born in Covington Township, Tioga County, Pennsylvania, March 1, 1838. On April 22, 1861, he enlisted in Company E, First Pennsylvania Reserve, (The 'Bucktails'). He was taken prisoner at Gaines' Hill. June 28, 1862 and rejoined his unit at Alexandria, Virginia." Except for the time he was a captive of the South, "he served in all engagements in which the Bucktails participated. Jonathan Morgan was wounded at the Battle of Gettysburg, and several times promoted for gallantry and meritorious conduct on the battlefield. He led his company as First Sergeant through most of the Wilderness Campaign. He commanded his company as a Brevet First Lieutenant when his regiment mustered out of service in June of 1864. He brought this revolver home with him." Bryant also indicates that Morgan returned to farming in Tioga County after the war and became a leading citizen. "The revolver was retained by Sarah Morgan, Jonathan's sister, who married Jessie Bryant and has been transferred from father to son until the present." The revolver features a German silver blade front sight, "ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY" on the breech section of the barrel reading from the breech towards the muzzle, the Rangers and Indians fight scene on the cylinder along with "MODEL U.S.M.R." and "COLT'S PATENT", oval cylinder stops, a single safety pin, "COLTS/PATENT/U.S." on the left side of the frame, the squareback brass trigger guard, brass back strap, and walnut grip. "P" inspection marks are found on the barrel lug, cylinder, trigger guard, and back strap. Faint "NWP" and "WAT" cartouches are stamped on the left and right of the grip. Matching serial numbers in the small "Walker" sized numerals are stamped on the various components, including inside the grip mortise. Only the wedge is non-matching ("658"). The revolver is accompanied by a canteen with "D. Proctor./Co. H 1st Regt./M.V.M." on one side and "US" on the other. The 1st Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Militia was the first Massachusetts regiment to leave the state on a three-year enlistment during the Civil War. Company H was organized on April 19, 1861. Proctor does not appear on the unit's roster but may have joined the unit later. Provenance: Dale Bryant, a Descendent of Jonathan V. Morgan; The Derek Povah Collection

Fine with gray and brown patina, some patterns of mostly silvered out case colors, crisp markings, attractive aged patina on the brass grip straps, and general mild overall wear. The cylinder scene is very fine and remarkably clear. The grip is very good and has mild lower edge wear, chips at the toe, and traces of the cartouches. Mechanically fine. The canteen is fine with minor wear and a new strap. If you want both documented history and rarity, this is the Dragoon for you!