This revolver was manufactured in 1852 and features the early Hartford factory engraving with more feather-like detailing to the scrolls. The serial number on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, and back strap are all followed by a "dot" denoting factory engraving. The barrel has a period turned ring at the muzzle, a German silver blade front sight, "{ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY}" signed on top, an eagle panel scene lightly engraved on the left, an unusual replacement wedge staked in place, and larger replacement loading lever screw. The cylinder has turned rings and what appears to be "44 LELU MI" as well as "COLTS PATENT" hand marked on the side. The frame has a non-factory "COLTS/PATENT" marking inscribed among the scroll engraving on the left side rather than the standard stamped markings. Matching serial numbers are visible on the cylinder, loading lever, barrel, frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The revolver has a nicely figured walnut grip with a varnished finish. It comes in a custom modern case with Colt loading and cleaning directions label inside the lid, a large martial pattern Dragoon powder flask, "WAT" inspected "COLTS/PATENT" ball/bullet mold, and a key. A period brown leather flap holster is also included. An included statement indicates this revolver was carried by a bodyguard of Emperor Ferdinand Joseph Maximilian (1832-1867) of Mexico who was executed in by Mexican republican forces. "This revolver, carried by the bodyguard when he escaped from Mexico, arrived in Australia. It was traded for one week's rations on the gold fields in Victoria. It remained in the possession of the family and [was] later found at Neales Flat, near Eudunda, S. Aus. approx. 1955, by a local collector" and was then sold to the man writing the statement around 1970. They further state that the revolver is from a run of approximately 50 engraved Third Model Dragoons of which only approximately 12 survive. "It is thought the whole group of pistols were made as presentation pieces. The holster is original to the gun." Another statement states the revolver "with is original holster and bullet mould [was] found on a farm at Neales Flat, near Eudunda, South Australia. It was concealed (from the children) under straw in a kerosene tin which the fowls were using as a nesting box." No further documentation explaining the revolver's provenance are included; however, American firearms were widely used in Mexico in the period, and Colt revolvers are also known to have been used by miners in the Victoria Gold Rush, particularly by Californian miners.

Good with original silver plating remaining in the protected areas, aged patina on the brass, gray and brown patina on the balance of the metal, mostly distinct engraving and markings with the exception of the barrel and the period inscribed cylinder which are worn and have modifications on the returned muzzle, play in the barrel fit, replacement loading lever screw and wedge, one longer nipple and one broken, and mild overall wear. The grip is fine with attractive figure, mild handling wear, and minor marks and scratches. Mechanically fine. The holster is very good. The relined case and accessories are very good with some age and storage wear.