Colts 4

This Colt Revolver is one of the LOWEST production models from Colt, LESS than 4,000 were manufactured. It is also one of the MOST unique offerings from Colt, due to it’s grips ! The checkered Hard Rubber Grips were embossed, with NOT an Eagle, but a Cop and Thug ( Robber) in a confrontation. The Thug has a knife and the Cop is attempting an arrest. This Model came in two barrel lengths, 4-1/2 inch and 6 inch. Both had the cartridge ejection housing  on the barrel, with ejector rod. This Colt is Double Unique, first being a very scarce Colt with exceptionally low production and used by, and marked for United States Express. USX with the Serial Number on the left side of barrel.  USX was founded in 1854, for the express purpose of delivering packages and packages of value. Starting out using Stage lines, then later Railway cars, one consistent feature, the Agents were all Armed, with instructions to protect all good being shipped by USX On this “Cop N’ Thug” it was originally a factory Nickel Plate finish. Now, only about 10% remains, the balance is a soft gray patina, original never having been cleaned. IMPORTANT: all mechanical functions/ working action, operate 100% correctly. Cylinder rotates with hammer cocking, aligns, and indexes correctly, and releases to fire. ALL factory markings are present and clear: caliber, barrel address and serial number 1632X. the company marking of USX followed by the serial number of the Colt is present on left side of barrel. Obviously this Cop N’ Thug was carried and used,  guarding the “goods” from would be robbers.

The major significance of this Model was, it was the FIRST Pocket Model revolver to be made at the Hartford Factory ! Manufactured in a very small quantity of about 15,000 from 1847 to 1850. The name came from the similarity to the full size .44 Dragoon revolver. This Baby Dragoon, Serial No. 1124X would have been manufactured in 1848 and has the scarcer Five Inch barrel. ALL serial numbers are matching, all parts, and the frame patent is clear and distinct as is the barrel address. IT still has a perfect working action ! The overall surface is a soft gray patina, and the cylinder scene, “Stagecoach Holdup” is still present, just very light, but visible. Remarkably, the silver plating of the trigger guard and back strap is in abundance ! about 70% present.