Make: Colt

Model: 3rd Model Dragoon

Serial Number: 16120

Year of Manufacture: 1856 / 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 "16120". The cylinder is marked "16120". The top of the loading lever is marked "6120". The left side of the trigger guard is marked "L". The right side of the trigger guard frame flat is marked "K". The barrel wedge is marked "6120". The arbor is marked "6120" with an "H". The inside of the recoil shield on the right side is marked "P".

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 beautifully grained select walnut. The grip shows a few minor compression marks. There are no chips or cracks. The grips rate in Fine overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blued & Case Color, Silver Plated Trigger Guard and Grip Frame. Gustav Young style Engraved.

Finish Originality: All Original.

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is minor corrosion in the muzzle. The rest of the bore appears free of any erosion. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8/10 for antique.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 40% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows some faint case coloring on the frame. There is some strong blue remaining on the barrel, but most of the finish has gradually muted. The silver plating is exceptional with only some faint brass showing around the rim of the top two screw holes. The rest of the silver plating is beautifully intact with only a few minor marks. There is minor oxidation, primarily on the loading lever. The markings are clear and well defined. Overall, this revolver rates in about Fine 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. 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: This revolver comes with a purple felt lined wooden case with a Eley London cap tin, key, two cavity Colt's Patent bullet mould, black powder flask, and a wax covered six cartridge reproduction box.

Our Assessment: This factory engraved Colt Third Model Dragoon, manufactured in 1856, stands among the most imposing and prestigious percussion revolvers of the mid-19th century. Designed as a refinement of Colt’s earlier Dragoon patterns, the Third Model represented the peak of the series, addressing durability concerns while retaining the massive .44 caliber power favored by mounted troops and frontier users. The Gustav Young–style factory engraving, combined with the half round, half octagon 7 1/2 inch barrel, German silver front sight, and silver plated trigger guard and grip frame, clearly identifies this revolver as a special order presentation grade arm rather than a standard martial piece.

Condition remains notably strong for an engraved Dragoon of this age. Approximately 40 percent of the original finish remains, with attractive surviving blue, traces of case color, and exceptionally well preserved silver plating showing only minimal brass exposure. The engraving is crisp and well defined, the bore is bright with sharp rifling aside from minor muzzle corrosion, and the revolver maintains correct mechanical function with a crisp trigger and tight lockup. The finely figured walnut grip remains free of cracks, and the accompanying cased accessories further enhance the overall presentation. This revolver embodies both the raw power and decorative artistry of Colt’s pre-Civil War production at its highest level.