*Italian, 1975, Armi San Marco Colt Model 1848 “USMR” 2nd Model Dragoon Revolver, .44 Calibre, Cased with Powder Flask, Mould & Accessories, Deactivated*
Serial Number 6127.
A finely made Italian Armi San Marco reproduction of the Colt Model 1848 Army “USMR” (United States Mounted Rifles) Second Model Dragoon percussion revolver, calibre .44, serial number 6127, all matching. This massive six-shot, single-action revolver closely replicates Samuel Colt’s celebrated Dragoon pattern, originally issued to the U.S. Mounted Rifles during the Mexican–American War.
The revolver features a blued 7½-inch octagonal barrel marked “BLACK POWDER ONLY – Cal.44 – 2nd Model Dragoon – Made in Italy”, a colour case-hardened frame stamped “ARMI SAN MARCO”, and a brass trigger guard and backstrap. The cylinder is finely roll-engraved with the classic “Indian Fight” scene by Waterman Lilly Ormsby of New York — the renowned 19th-century banknote engraver who created Colt’s most famous cylinder designs, including those for the Walker, Dragoon, Navy, and Pocket models. His name “W.L. ORMSBY, N.Y.” is visible on the right side of the cylinder beside the “MODEL U.S.M.R.” scroll panel, beneath which appears “PATENT No 127.”
Proof marks include the Gardone proof house symbols (PN for Polvere Nera, star-over-letter, and date code AA for 1975*), confirming manufacture in that year. The revolver retains matching serial numbers 6127 on frame, barrel, rammer, and grip frame. Walnut one-piece grip of fine finish. The revolver cocks and dry-fires correctly.
Housed in a fitted walnut presentation case lined in red felt, with compartments for the revolver and accessories including an embossed copper and brass powder flask showing crossed flags, cannon, and trophy motifs, a brass-and-steel double cavity bullet mould, a reproduction Eley Bros percussion cap tin with caps, and a quantity of lead balls and conical bullets.
Measurements:
Barrel length: 7½ in (19 cm)
Overall length: 14¾ in (37.5 cm)
Historical Note:
The Colt Dragoon revolver was developed by Samuel Colt in 1848 as a refined successor to the oversized Walker model. Adopted by the U.S. Mounted Rifles (USMR), it became the standard heavy cavalry revolver of the Mexican–American War and continued in service into the 1850s and Civil War era. The Second Model, produced circa 1850–1851, introduced the improved rectangular cylinder stop notches and frame cuts replicated on this example. The dramatic “Indian Fight” scene by Ormsby — depicting a U.S. Mounted Rifleman battling Comanche warriors — became one of Colt’s most recognisable symbols of the frontier era, celebrating the martial exploits of American mounted troops in the West.
This 1975 Armi San Marco example exemplifies the precision and finish of Italy’s finest historical reproductions, faithfully preserving both the scale and artistry of the original Colt Dragoon.
*Condition*
Excellent overall condition. Deep bluing and crisp roll engraving to the cylinder, vivid case colours to frame, and lightly patinated brass furniture. Walnut grips remain smooth and well-polished. The revolver cocks and dry-fires correctly. The walnut case is solid and well fitted, showing light surface marks to the lid consistent with handling. The red felt interior remains clean and bright. Accessories complete and in similarly fine condition, the flask displaying rich iridescent lacquer. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
Deactivation:
Deactivated to UK specification in 2006 by the Birmingham Gun Barrel Proof House, Certificate No. 56256 (included). The revolver cocks and dry-fires correctly.
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