Make: Colt

Model: 3rd Model Dragoon

Serial Number: 14451

Year of Manufacture: 1855 / Antique

Caliber: .44 Cap and Ball

Action Type: Single Action Cap and Ball Revolver

Markings: The top of the barrel is marked "-ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW YORK CITY-". The left side of the frame is marked "COLTS / PATENT". The bottom of the barrel assembly, frame, trigger guard frame, and bottom of the grip frame are marked "14451" and "2" underneath. The cylinder is marked "14451". The top of the loading lever is marked "4451". The barrel wedge is marked "4451". The arbor is marked "4451". The grips are unmarked.

Barrel Length: The half round half octagon barrel is 7 ½".

Sights / Optics: This revolver is mounted with a "v" grooved hammer and a german silver blade front sight.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is one piece walnut. There are a few faint handling marks. The grips have been cleaned and fit a little shy to the frame. There are no chips or cracks. The grips rate in Fine overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blued, Case Color, Brass trigger guard and grip frame.

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is somewhat bright and the rifling is well defined. There is light erosion. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 7/10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 10% of its metal finish. Most of the finish has taken to a warm gray patina. The balance of the finish shows some faint case coloring on the frame. There is some vibrant color reserved in the protected areas. There is scattered oxidation and erosion. There is minor tarnish on the brass. The markings are clear and well defined. The W.L. Ormsby marking is still visible and the engraving has a good amount of definition. Overall, this revolver rates in about Very Good condition as antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder lockup shows only a very small amount of play and the trigger pull is crisp. The timing is good. The trigger is crisp. The barrel to frame fit is solid with no play. The wedge is not loose. We have not fired this pistol. As with all used firearms a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet all you maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: The Colt 3rd Model Dragoon represents one of Samuel Colt’s most formidable percussion revolvers, refined from the earlier Walker design and built for serious frontier and martial use. Manufactured in 1855, this revolver dates to the heart of the pre Civil War period, when the Dragoon was widely regarded as a powerful and reliable sidearm. Its large frame, rebated cylinder, and half round half octagon barrel exemplify Colt’s evolution toward durable, service ready revolvers that cemented the company’s reputation in mid nineteenth century America.

This example retains approximately 10 percent of its original finish, now largely transitioned to a warm gray patina with faint but attractive case coloring still visible on the frame and stronger color preserved in protected areas. The brass trigger guard and grip frame show light tarnish consistent with age, while the markings and serial numbers remain clear and well defined. The W. L. Ormsby cylinder engraving is still visible with good definition, adding notable visual and historical interest. The walnut grip shows only faint handling marks and no structural issues, and the bore remains somewhat bright with well defined rifling and light erosion. Overall, this revolver presents as a solid, honest Colt Dragoon with strong period presence and authentic antique character.