Rare US military Colt Third Model Dragoon single action percussion revolver serial number 17458, with four screw frame cut for stock. Accompanied with near-matching detachable shoulder-stock s/n 17455/17456. Manufactured circa 1858 in .44 calibre.

US military, Colt Third Model Dragoon single action percussion revolver serial number 17458, in .44 calibre with 7 ½ inch half round to octagonal barrel and one-line address reading ‘-ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY-’. Manufactured circa 1858. The four-screw frame, cut for shoulder-stock is stamped on the left side “COLT’S / PATENT / U.S.”.

It has a German silver bladed front sight and three leaf folding and hammer notch rear sight. It has an iron back-strap and rounded brass trigger-guard. The one-piece plain walnut grips bearing added “WAT” within a panel on the right side. Originally the revolver was blued with case-coloured frame, hammer and loading lever with blued iron back-strap and plain brass trigger-guard. The cylinder is roll-engraved with the Texas Ranger and Indian scene. Matching numbers observed on loading lever, cylinder arbour pin, frame, trigger-guard, back-strap and wedge. The cylinder and wedge have possibly been re-numbered to match.

Complete with period walnut shoulder stock with iron assemblies, serial numbered 17455 and 17456 (stocks for the Colt Third Model Dragoons were nearly always numbered to a pair of pistols).  

Overall in good condition with some repairs having been made. It now has a brown patina finish. The grips are good, with wear consistent with having the stock mounted and taken off many times. Mechanically fine. The stock has the initials “S.H.C.” carved on the left side and five notches on the right side. The bore is very good 7/10 bright with strong rifling. Weight: 4 pounds 2 ounces.