The 3rd Model Dragoon was the largest production number of the three models at about 10,500 made from 1851 -1861. This 3rd model, Serial No. 1692x, has all the Military markings. The left hand side frame has the Colts/Patent marking with the U.S. just below. The Military Inspector letter of "M" appears on the brass guard and other locations. By Serial Range this would be an 1858 3rd Dragoon. ALL serial numbers are matching, including the wedge ! and cylinder.  The part round part octagonal barrel, as many 3rd models were. is fitted with a folding leaf sight. Two leaves for two distances, they are both present and work correctly. Regarding the cut for stock, at this serial range either the first or second model stock would work. This 4 lb pistol was the improved Walk and delivered a powerful wallop with the 7-1/2 inch barrel. The original finish was case hardening on the frame, hammer and lever. The balance a blued finish. Today the finish is mostly a smooth dark gray with some plum undertones. However you can see "puddle" marks outlining the case colors on the frame. The Military NON plated brass has the perfect natural mustard patina, UNTOUCHED. The cylinder had the Texas & Indian fight scene . Right now you can actually see mounted Dragoons and Indians on the cylinder. It is muted with wear and somewhat muddy, BUT can be seen.

ALL factory applied markings are present: barrel address, all matching serial numbers, all military markings, as I said an ALL original 3rd Model. One very unique U.S. marking can be found on the right hand grip. Almost gone but still clear enough to see it....the Inspector Cartouche. which is WAT for William A. Thornton.

Some research on this range of 3rd Dragoons revealed that most were issued as follows: 1st Dragoons, 2nd Dragoons and some to Mounted Riflemen Units. This 3rd Dragoon represents the early years in the Wild Western Frontier, the days of Fremont, Kit Carson and all the trail blazers. The Santa Fe Trail and untamed areas that is where 3rd Dragoons went !

You can see a mounted Dragoon in the middle of the cylinder, between the two stop bolt notches and other figures in other locations.

The Dragoon still has it's original 1 piece Walnut grips, and they remain in a darker shade of original Walnut, damage free !

PRICE $7,500

Serial No. 13175X was shipped to Simmons Hardware on March 21st, 1890, just as you see it. Blue, Hard Rubber, 4-3/4 ", 44/40 in a quantity of 25. Today the blue finish has evolved into a blue/plum patina, untouched and natural after 133 years. There are still miniscule areas of original blue, like alongside the trigger guard bow.The factory applied markings remain clear and sharp: barrel address, frame patents, serial numbers (all matching) and roll die caliber on barrel. Attesting to Colt quality, the mechanical actions, aka. working actions ALL function 100% correctly: hammer notches, cylinder rotation and indexing, releasing to fire etc...NO problems.

In 1890 the Factory was still using the Eagle Pattern hard rubber grips, which in a few years disappeared.

The Eagle grips are in great condition, showing normal to light hand wear, with NO damage. St. Louis was STILL the jumping off point for firearms going to the WEST. No doubt this Colt crossed the Mississippi River and entered into the wild west which was STILL there in 1890. The west was the greatest demand for this Colt product and considering its caliber matched with the 1873 Winchester Rifle/Carbine drove the demand. Eagle gripped Black Powder Colts are scarce today and highly prized.

PRICE $4,450

This CFSS (Colt Frontier Six Shooter) is in the first year that 44/40 was introduced as a standard available caliber in Single Actions. Serial No. 4251X is 100% matching, ALL serial numbers, barrel, cylinder and all the standard locations and clearly visible. It has the standard grip for 1878, one piece Walnut. The grips remain in excellent condition , except the right grip has a handling scratch at the frame junction. When shipped it would have had the 7-1/2 inch barrel, presently it has a 4-3/4 inch barrel. Regarding the barrel, it is the original barrel and the shortening of the barrel was done "in the day". The barrel even has a slight crowning, and a German Silver sight ( correct material for the day) has been professionally added in the correct location.

The finish on the entire revolver is a soft gray patina, untouched and exactly as it arrived after 145 years.

This Colt surfaced in the Southeast corner of Colorado, and the seller relates it has (various owners) always been there. Interesting to note: that that area of Colorado, Oklahoma has had several large cattle ranches during the time of the Six Shooter. There was the Prowers Ranch, A.R. Black Ranch and others. My opinion, this Colt served on a ranch as it shows exposure to the elements on a regular basis, and the barrel shortened for quicker use and easier carrying. A Colorado CFSS right in the heart of the era, 1878.

PRICE $ 3,800

This CFSS , even after 145 years still has a correct working action. The hammer functions correctly, the cylinder rotates, with the pull of the hammer and locks into place. The half cock position functions correctly for loading and unloading. A good working action.

  "SCARCE" LONG BARREL, 38/40..COLT FACTORY LETTER

BLACK POWDER 1897......

An early example of  Colt Single Action Army, STILL A BLACK POWDER REVOLVER, with the new designed cylinder pin release. A tool was no longer required to back out the frame screw, now, just press the spring loaded button and pull out the cylinder pin. Certainly a great improvement, no tool, screw driver etc.. required  We see by 1897 the hard rubber grips have changed, no Eagles at the bottom, the entire grip is checkered. Shipped in January 1897 to Kentucky, just in time for the Hatfield and McCoy feud, could be ? This is a blued Colt with Case color hardening, and hard rubber grips. Currently  it has about 10% original blue, the balance is a soft plum gray patina. The blue is around the trigger guard. ALL factory applied markings are clear and sharp: barrel address, barrel caliber, frame patent and Rampant Colt, plus clear and MATCHING serial numbers..

The checkered hard rubber grips are in very good condition, strong checkering is sharp, and the upper grip logo is very distinct. The is No damage and are original to the Colt. The working action is crisp and perfect ! ALL working actions: cocking , locking, indexing, and firing NO problems. This is a scarce Single Action, LONG barrels in 38/40 are few and far between. A nice collectable Colt.

PRICE $ 4,500

COLT MODEL 1878 DOUBLE ACTION REVOLVER in the SCARCE CALIBER FOR THIS MODEL OF 38/40 ( 38WCF)

This DA 1878, was by serial number, the very first one manufactured in 1896 ! In addition, it is in a scarce caliber for this Model, 38/40. Serial No. 3510X has the 7-1/2 inch barrel, and a strong ! probability of Factory Ivory grips. The Colt has just about all the factory nickel plating remaining on the frame, along with blue on the screw heads and trigger. The balance of the Colt remains about 60% nickel plate on barrel, and 100% on ejector housing. The cylinder has about 60% also, with some freckling. The balance of the surface is a soft plum patina all original and UNTOUCHED. ALL factory applied markings are present : barrel address, barrel caliber designation, and Serial Number. Very IMPORTANT. the working action is 100% perfect on both single action mode and double action mode. All screw heads are clean and crisp, no burring, and ALL parts are ORIGINAL to this Colt DA 1878. This Model Colt was slow in the beginning BUT after a few years into production it became a VERY popular revolver on the Frontier, and with notables of the Frontier. Very rare we can see the beginning or ending Colt revolver, BUT with this DA, it is listed in all Colt records as THE FIRST 1878 made in the year 1896 !

Perhaps if ordered it would be an interesting Colt Letter. PRICE $3,000