This early production Colt Model 1848 Baby Dragoon revolver, bearing serial number 464, was manufactured in 1847. Samuel Colt's "Baby Dragoon" was the beginning of his new and most popular line of revolvers in the 19th century: the Hartford factory's small frame "pocket" revolvers. Only approximately 15,000 Baby Dragoons were manufactured between 1847 and 1850 compared to approximately 350,000 Model 1849 Pocket revolvers manufactured from 1850 to 1873. These revolvers were much easier to carry than Colt's larger revolvers, especially considering that the alternative to the Baby Dragoon was the Walker and the Dragoon revolvers which were massive. The 5 inch barrel has a fixed brass cone shaped front sight and the two-line "ADDRESS SAML COLT/NEW YORK CITY" address on top. The frame has the tiny "COLT'S/PATENT" marking on the left. The cylinder has the oval cylinder stops, the Texas Rangers and Comanche fight scene and is marked "464 COLTS PATENT". The full matching serial number is also found on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, butt of the back strap, wedge and cylinder pin. The included relined to fit mahogany case has red velvet lining with indents holding the revolver, an Eley cap tin, a reproduction double sided eagle pattern pocket powder flask, reproduction "COLTS/PATENT" marked .31 caliber two-cavity brass mold without sprue cutter, reproduction L-shaped combination tool a few extra percussion nipples and some lead balls.

Very good, retains strong traces of faded original blue finish and case colors, and 40% plus original silver plated finish concentrated on the front grip strap and around the trigger guard, with bright golden patina on the balance of the exposed brass, and a crisp cylinder scene, barrel markings and edges in the metal overall. Grip is very good with most of the refinished glossy piano varnish finish, a few dents, scratches and minor nicks, and defined edges. Mechanically excellent. Case is very good as relined with a crack visible in the lid, absent lock plate piece, scattered dents and scratches, and general aging on the interior.