Manufactured in 1858 and bears U.S. government contract inspector's markings. Most of these revolvers saw hard use on the frontier with the 1st and 2nd Dragoons and U.S. Regiment of Mounted Riflemen and were subsequently used by both sides during the Civil War. The revolver has the round brass trigger guard and rectangular cylinder stops found on Third Model Dragoons. The barrel has a German silver blade front sight and "ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW" cutoff by the three-leaf rear sight (one standing, two folding). The left side of the frame is marked "COLTS/PATENT/U.S." The cylinder has the Indian fight scene and the "Model U.S.M.R." marking. Matching serial numbers on the loading lever, wedge, arbor pin, cylinder, barrel, frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The rear mortise of the grip is marked with the matching serial full number "17096" in pencil. The grip also has "WAT" and "BH" cartouches on either side. There are single letter government inspector type markings on various parts.

Very good as professionally restored, retains 30% of the blue finish and strong traces of the case colors in sheltered areas with the balance mostly a smooth grey patina and a few patches scattered patches of brown spotting/oxidation. The refinished grip is also very good with some scattered minor dings and scratches. The recut markings and cartouches are crisp. Mechanically excellent. This revolver is a very attractive example of the rarest and most desirable variation of the Colt 3rd Dragoon Revolver that has been skillfully restored and would compliment any percussion Colt collection.