Colt 3rd Dragoon Reproduction ID

[Kentucky Colonel]

Merry Christmas, everyone!

As often happens during the holidays, a new firearm has found its way under a tree. This cap and ball blackpowder was purchased used from a gun show. The purchase was made with few detailed questions of the seller about the details of its history. 

This is where you guys come in. What can you add to (or, correct) the conversation? My folks would like to know more about this pistol. The Colt serial number sites that have been found so far are not very helpful. I believe this is a 3rd Dragoon, Colt, .44 calibre, 1861? I don't now about the series. I like the engraving on the cylinder. 

Thanks!

 

[strong eagle]

i dont know what it is but it is nice looking. i have a 3 model uberti colt. i have a howell 45 cal conversion cylinder for it.their should be markings on it of who made it.

 

[Old No71]

Very nice, I like it.

As I have a "Signature Series" Model 1861 Navy, I found this info online years ago, and it might help shed some light on what you have...

While the Navy's are mentioned below, other models were made too.

Old No7


In 1971 Colt began buying Uberti parts to produce the first run of "2nd Generation" Colt Navy's in the Hartford plant. These slightly undersized guns, featuring early square-backed trigger guards and authentic Colt stampings, were made until 1973.


From 1974 to 1976 Colt obtained parts from one of its distributors, Lou Imperato. These re-issues (as Colts, they aren’t really replicas) are known as "C Series guns".


From 1979 to 1982, Imperato made the entire gun in his New Jersey factory as “The Authentic Colt Blackpowder Series.” Using Italian parts, finished and assembled in the United States with Colt performing the final inspection, these guns are known as the "F Series guns".


From 1994 to 2002, "3rd Generation" Colt-licensed ’51 Navy's were made by Imperato’s renamed Colt Blackpowder Arms Co (CBAC). Imperato’s son, Anthony, was involved with producing the finest Navy's yet, the "Signature Series", featuring Sam Colt’s signature on the nickel-plated backstrap. Using Italian parts, all the finishing and fitting was done in the United States by CBAC.

 

[Old No71]

Just found this too...

I have to admit, the blue and case-color of my 1861 Navy is FAR better than the thin blue/black and chemical-treated case of current Italian-made replicas. 

Old No7

COLT BLACKPOWDER ARMS CO.
Previous manufacturer and retailer of 3rd Generation Colt Black Powder pistols and muskets located in Brooklyn, NY 1994-2002.


All 3rd Generation Colt blackpowder models are also referred to as Signature Series Models.
A reprise of the original Colt Blackpowder line, along with historic models not offered in the 2nd Generation, and a new series of Commemoratives, each model (with the exception of the Heirloom Tiffany 1860 Army and 1842 Texas Paterson) bears the Sam Colt signature on the backstrap. These 3rd Generation models were manufactured under an authorized licensing agreement with Colt Firearms by Colt Blackpowder Arms Company – the same company (and many of the same craftsmen) responsible for the 2nd Generation Colt revolvers. Although parts for the Signature Series were cast in Italy, they were fully assembled and hand finished in the United States using the proprietary Colt formulas for bluing and color case hardening.


Colt Blackpowder Arms Company Signature Series revolvers are regarded as authentic Colt pistols. The 3rd Generation models have original Colt markings, including the barrel address and serial number stampings. There are no foreign proof marks on these authentic Colt models.

 

[Kentucky Colonel]

Old No 7, 

This is indeed helpful. Can you post a pic of yours for comparison?

 

[Old No71]

Here you go...

The box and accessories didn't come with the Colt, I got that elsewhere.  (Cabela's sold them for little money years ago...)

Old No7

 

[Old No71]

This image shows the awesome case colors even better...

My late father actually drooled on this one when he first saw it!

( He had an original 1861 Colt Navy that was stolen from his shop back in the 70's... )

Old No7

 

[Kentucky Colonel]

Oh, that is nice...

Your help allowed me to find this... But, I am still not certain

 

[exMember]

Man I love the pattern on that color case hardening! Very attractive piece there KC!