Make: Colt
Model: C 1770 Special, Third Model Dragoon, 2nd Generation Master Engraved
Serial Number: 24570
Year of Manufacture: 1979
Caliber: .44 Caliber
Action Type: Single Action Cap & Ball Percussion Revolver with 6-Shot Cylinder
Barrel Length: 7 1/2"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass blade mounted at the muzzle. The rear sight is the traditional notch in the hammer, visible when cocked.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The revolver is fitted with smooth ivory grips. The grips remain exceptionally well preserved with no chips or cracks. The backstrap and trigger guard are factory engraved to match the revolver. Overall, the grips rate in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued with Master Class "D" Scroll Engraving
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no visible erosion. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains approximately 99%+ of its original finish. The factory blue remains deep and lustrous with vivid case coloring. The factory Master Class "D" scroll engraving by Colt Master Engraver Howard Dove is sharp and beautifully executed over the barrel, frame, cylinder, backstrap, hammer, and trigger guard. There is virtually no evidence of firing or handling. The markings are clear. The screw heads are sharp. Overall, this revolver rates in Like New condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Factory Colt walnut presentation case with red velvet lining, original Colt Custom Gun Shop shipping carton, Colt powder flask, two cavity bullet mold, nipple wrench, cap tin, case key, Colt Archive Letter dated September 25, 2008. The Colt Archive Letter confirms this revolver as a factory Class "D" Custom Scroll Engraved Third Model Dragoon by Colt Master Engraver Howard Dove, shipped August 24, 1979, through Omaha Midwest Wholesale Distributors for Dean's Sporting Goods in Casper, Wyoming. The original case label notes the revolver required four years to complete and was furnished with ivory grips and accessories. The accompanying Colt Custom Gun Shop shipping carton is serial numbered to the revolver (24570) and is hand-labeled "Custom Edition 1 of 50 – Set No. 29," providing an outstanding level of factory provenance seldom encountered.
Our Assessment: The Colt Third Model Dragoon is one of Samuel Colt's most iconic large-frame percussion revolvers, renowned for its immense power and its role as the direct predecessor to the legendary Colt Model 1860 Army. This Second Generation example elevates that historic design with documented factory Master Class "D" engraving by Howard Dove, one of Colt's finest engravers, whose work is highly prized among advanced Colt collectors. The accompanying Colt Archive Letter provides unquestionable factory provenance and confirms every major feature of this extraordinary revolver.
This is an investment-grade Colt presentation set that combines documented factory master engraving, factory ivory grips, original accessories, and archival documentation into one exceptional package. The outstanding state of preservation, coupled with the rare factory embellishment and complete cased presentation, makes this an ideal centerpiece for an advanced Colt collection or museum-quality display.
