Colt manufactured approximately 7,000 First Model Dragoon revolvers in the new Hartford factory between 1848 and 1850. At least 2,000 of these pistols were purchased by the Ordnance Department for issue to the 1st and 2nd Dragoon Regiments and the U.S. Regiment of Mounted Riflemen stationed in the American Southwest. This civilian example was manufactured in 1849. The barrel has a German silver blade front sight and "{ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY}" marked on top. The left side of the frame has "COLTS/PATENT/U.S". The cylinder has the Texas Rangers and Comanche fight scene and the distinctive First Model oval cylinder stops. The matching serial number is marked on the arbor pin, loading lever, barrel, frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The wedge is an unnumbered replacement. A "0" is marked by the serial number on the loading lever and trigger guard. The trigger guard is also marked "K" and "F" by the serial number and "T" on the right shoulder. Provenance: The Thomas Whiteman Collection

Good with a genuine "frontier issued" appearance, traces of original silver plating in the protected areas, aged patina on the silver and brass, gray and brown patina on the balance, mostly distinct markings, partially visible cylinder scene, and general mild overall wear. The grip is very good and has mild lower edge wear, a few scratches and dents, two "kill notches" on the lower left, and mild handling wear. Mechanically fine.