Lot 3171

Factory Engraved Colt 1848 Baby Dragoon Percussion Revolver

Previous image preload Next image preload

Factory Engraved Colt 1848 Baby Dragoon Percussion Revolver

Estimate: $6,500 - $9,500

Starting Bid: $5,500

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 23, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Rare and Well-Documented Factory Engraved Colt Model 1848 Baby Dragoon Percussion Revolver with Desirable Long Barrel and Robert Jordan Letter This highly desirable factory engraved Colt Baby Dragoon revolver was manufactured in 1848 and is featured on page 45 of "Colt's Pocket '49 Including the Baby Dragoon & Wells Fargo" by Jordan and Watt and page 37 of "The Book of Colt Engraving Volume 1" by Wilson. While Colt's Model 1849 Pocket was the company's most popular revolver in the 19th century, production of the early Baby Dragoon revolvers with their distinctive squareback trigger guards was very limited, especially with the early round cylinder stops and slots and the rammer-less barrels. Those with factory engraving are even rarer. Jordan and Watt state: "Engraved Baby Dragoons are rare. This one has the early vine style engraving on the frame and interesting grip configuration." In an included letter Robert Jordan notes that barrels were not engraved until sn. 7623, and that revolvers without engraved barrels still appear until after serial number 9278. Jordan also noted "the grip drop is more pronounced than any other Baby Dragoon" he had seen but that he was convinced it was original given Colt farmed out the production of brass parts and they vary. The engraving on the frame and grip straps consists of flowing scrollwork with smooth backgrounds and track line and foliate borders. Matching serial numbers are found on the cylinder, arbor pin ("800"), barrel, frame trigger guard, and back strap. "COLTS/PATENT" is marked above the serial number on the cylinder. A small "K" is marked above the serial number on the trigger guard, and "Q" is marked below. A "T" is also marked on some components for inspector William Tuller. The wedge and grip are blank. The barrel has a post front sight and "-ADDRESS SAML COLT/NEW YORK CITY-" marked on top reading from the breech towards the muzzle. The hammer has the notch rear sight.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: Baby Dragoon

BBL: 5 7/8 inch octagon

Gauge: .31

Finish: blue/casehardened/silver

Grips: walnut

Serial Number7800

Class: Antique

  • Provenance: The William H. Myers Collection; The William Berg Collection; A Private Collection
  • Condition: Good with distinct engraving, gray and brown patina, light pitting, attractively aged patina on the grip straps, and mild wear. The grip is also good with mild edge wear and light dings and scratches. Mechanically functions. Jordan in his letter stated: "All in all this engraved Baby Dragoon is quite rare and it has the desirable 6 inch barrel. The gun has a very high value since there are not enough of them to satisfy collector demand."

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Rock Island Auction will contact you shortly after the auction has completed. We will arrange for shipping and or pickup.

Rock Island Auction Company

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 30% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000