Make: Colt, 3rd Generation "Signature" Series

Model: 1848 Dragoon, 3rd Model

Serial Number: 36824

Year of Manufacture: 1997

Caliber: .44

Action Type: Single Action, 6 Shot, Percussion

Barrel Length: 7.5"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short, coin silver colored, blade at the muzzle end of the barrel. The blade has some silver tarnish. The rear sight is a "V"-notch integral to the hammer, which can be used when the hammer is cocked.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is a one piece black buffalo horn with hand engraved bust of "Cochise" on the left panel. There are light handling and storage marks. There is a small amount of natural openings on the bottom of the right grip as this is horn material. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grip is in about Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Blue, 24K Gold Plate

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright, the rifling is sharp. There is fouling debris from storage in the bore. In this writer’s opinion and for the age, this bore rates a 10 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 99% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish is strong and complete throughout. There is no turn line. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are deep and cylinder engravings are defined. The gold plated decorations are excellent. Overall, this pistol rates in about Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up tightly when fully cocked and the barrel has no play. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes with a Blackpowder Signature Series box with foam inserts and serial matching outer box.

Our Assessment: Cochise was one of the most famous Chiricahua Apache leaders to resist American expansion into the Southwest. His people lived in what is now Arizona and New Mexico and faced pressure first from Spanish and Mexican authorities, then from the United States. After Mexican campaigns against the Chiricahua, Cochise’s father was killed and Cochise himself was captured, deepening hostility. A fragile peace followed the U.S. acquisition of western lands, but renewed settlement and the Bascom Affair of 1861 destroyed lasting trust. Wrongly accused of involvement in a raid and kidnapping, Cochise escaped arrest by cutting through a tent, but several of his relatives were held and later killed. He then led years of warfare against American and Mexican settlements, at times allied with his father-in-law, Mangas Coloradas. Cochise made peace in 1872, retired to the Apache reservation, and died two years later. Cochise County, Arizona, bears his name.

This revolver is a 3rd Generation Colt “Signature Series” Model 1848 Dragoon, 3rd Model, manufactured in 1997 and issued as the Cochise Commemorative Dragoon. Limited to only 500 examples, it is an attractive “C”-series commemorative honoring a defining figure of the American frontier. Though some forgings and small parts for Signature Series arms were supplied by subcontractors, the completed pistols were produced to Colt specifications, quality control, and final inspection standards, and collectors generally regard them as Colt continuation arms.

The original Colt 1848 Dragoon was developed as an improvement over the massive 1847 Walker, using a shorter cylinder, shorter barrel, improved loading lever latch, and other refinements. This commemorative follows the classic six-shot percussion revolver pattern with a 7 1/2-inch round barrel and substantial Dragoon profile. It features a blued frame and barrel, one-piece black buffalo horn grip hand-carved with a bust of Cochise, and a cylinder engraved with the “Ranger and Indian” scene. The cylinder and trigger guard are 24K gold plated, with additional gold motifs including a running horse, crossed tomahawks, and a plains buffalo.

With strong mechanics, a bright bore, tight fit, and matching serial numbers, this limited Cochise Commemorative Dragoon offers impressive display appeal and collector interest. For admirers of Colt percussion revolvers, Dragoons, Western history, or frontier-era commemoratives, this is a standout piece.