1848 Colt Pre-First Model Fluck Dragoon w/ Prototype Octagon Bbl & Holster RARE
Guns International #: 101455931 Seller's Inventory #:
Category: Colt Revolvers - Antique Percussion - Colt Revolvers - Antique

Seller's Information
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Verified Seller
Seller: Jeremiah Johnson Trading
Company: Jeremiah Johnson Trading
Member Since: 1/27/12
First Name: Greg
Last Name: Schimetschek
State: Connecticut
Zip: 06423
Country: United States
Phone: (860) 873-1092
Number of Active Listings: 4
Total Number of Listings: 217
Seller: Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
3 days
Payment Types Accepted: Check (personal checks take 7-10 days to clear), money order, credit card (no fee), or wire

About Us: Jeremiah Johnson Trading is one of the most experienced and trusted dealers of pre-1899 antique arms with over 40 years of collecting. We specialize in Colt, Winchester, Remington, Smith & Wesson, Parker, large-bore fowling guns, Revolutionary & Civil War arms, collectible Bowie & folding knives and more! We are also avid collectors of historic race cars & memorabilia. Visit us online at jeremiahjohnsontrading or find us on Facebook and Instagram.


Description:

Jeremiah Johnson Trading is one of the most experienced and trusted dealers of antique arms with over 40 years of collecting. We also specialize in antique cars & petroliana, Revolutionary and Civil War artifacts, 19th century nautical & western memorabilia, early Bowie and folding knives, American folk art, and colonial era furnishings. Visit us online at JeremiahJohnsonTrading or find us on Facebook. Our shop is located at 1618 Saybrook Rd. Haddam, CT. Look for the gold '55 Chevy road sign! ~Trades and offers are always considered~ Extremely Rare M1848 Colt Pre-First Model "Fluck" Dragoon 2nd Contract US Military Revolver with Prototype Octagon Barrel & Original Pommel Holster, .44 Cal, mfg. 1848. John Fluck is credited with discovering this unique model in 1956 and had originally thought that they were made as replacements for Colt Walkers which had blown up during service. He surmised that 300 or less were manufactured utilizing left over Walker parts. This theory has been debunked in recent years however with a much more intriguing history now known. Following the first military contract with Colt for Dragoon revolvers (the 1847 Walker model), a second government contract was established November 2nd, 1847 for 1,000 more pistols. This batch of revolvers incorporated several changes to the original Walker design and should technically be considered a "revised Walker" or "Pre-First Model" Dragoon. The guns appear within serial numbers 2001-3000 and have several identifying characteristics. Most notably the backstraps have a longer sloping profile than the standard Dragoons which followed, several components are reworked Walker parts (or castings thereof), and the serial number stamps are the same smaller die used on the Civilian Walkers (number 1001-1100) and Whitneyville Dragoons (number 1101-1340). By the time regular First Model Dragoon production began these stamps had been replaced with a larger die which continued throughout production. The Pre-First Model Dragoons were issued to mounted soldiers on the Texas frontier and Pacific Northwest and generally saw very hard use. This example, serial number 2242, is an original Second Contract "Fluck" Dragoon which has the added distinction of having a unique prototype octagon barrel. The barrel measures 7 3/4" long and is totally devoid of markings aside from a small punch dot where the serial number should be. The dovetailed brass front sight base holds a flattened Silver blade which appears to have been originally inletted into the barrel beyond the base. Additionally there are three separate dovetails cut into the bottom flat (two filled) for the loading lever catch which is now missing. This would suggest that front sight and catch designs were being tested on this revolver in conjunction with the octagon barrel design. The stepped octagon barrel is specially made and has not been milled from a standard round barrel. The metal around the frame pins is thin and has broken through on one. The loading lever matches the gun perfectly and is numbered "9343" which would date to 1850. Matching serial number "2242" in the proper small font is marked on the frame, triggerguard, and backstrap. There are no visible numbers on the cylinder with only very faint traces of the rolled scene remaining. The frame is stamped "COLT'S / PATENT / U.S." with a small "P" marked behind the barrel on the left side. The wedge is unmarked and likely an old replacement. The metal shows a worn dark plum color thinning to gray overall. The brass backstrap and triggerguard show heavy wear with a smooth mellowed luster. The screw bolsters on the backstrap have both been repaired and replaced during the period with the high copper content of the brass used suggesting a Southern origin. The original wood grips are slightly undersized with rounded corners and show honest wear with a tight old 1" crack on the right side. Original hammer and trigger with mostly, it not all, original screws. The five-groove rifling is also unique to this gun (as opposed to the standard seven-groove) and is sleeved into the bore. Obviously yet another experimental element tested on this revolver. The rifling is very sharp front to back with no pitting. The action tends to hang up occasionally but is generally smooth and functions well. All nipples are clean originals. Included is the original pommel holster for carrying the pistol on horseback. Once part of a pair, the holster shows heavy wear and is missing it's flap yet remains in fair condition. This is an important piece of Colt history that not only served as a test mule for Dragoon development but also saw service on the Western frontier with probable continued use during the Civil War. A rare and unique addition to any advanced historical arms collection. Jeremiah Johnson Trading sells antique firearms manufactured prior to 1899 and muzzleloading blackpowder reproductions only. For the purpose of these conditions the term "antique firearm" will hence include muzzleloading blackpowder reproductions. Buyers must be 21 years of age or older and have no felony convictions to purchase antique firearms. Antique firearms do not require Federal licensing and may be shipped directly to the buyer with the following exceptions. No antique firearms will be shipped to Washington D. C. or any of the five boroughs of New York City or residents thereof. Some restrictions may apply to antique firearms shipped to California and will be noted in the item description if applicable. Any handgun (antique or muzzleloading blackpowder reproduction) shipped to New Jersey must ship to a licensed FFL holder. Any muzzleloading blackpowder reproduction rifle, shotgun, or handgun shipped to Illinois must ship to an FFL holder. No international sales of antique firearms which may fire conventional metallic cartridges or any reproductions regardless of ignition. Antique muzzleloaders, or antiques which fire obsolete cartridges, may be shipped internationally however it is the responsibility of the buyer to know and abide by their local laws and provide proof that the antique arm is legal to receive and own. Absolutely no sales of items containing antique ivory to New York, New Jersey, or California. No sales of bear parts to Alaska, California, Georgia, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Dakota, South Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Virginia, or West Virginia. Absolutely no international sales of knives or animal parts including items which contain antique ivory. Payment can be made by way of money order, banker's check, or personal check (Please allow 7-10 days for clearance on personal checks). Credit cards accepted for antique arms (no additional fees). If not satisfied with an item within 3 days of receiving it, simply return the item in the same condition as shipped for a full refund, minus return shipping costs. Cleaning, disassembly, or altering of a firearm in any way will void inspection privileges. Layaway may be allowed upon negotiation, but will void inspection privileges. Buyer pays actual shipping & insurance costs. Occasionally a post-1898 firearm from my personal collection may be sold under this account however it will be noted that any such transaction is a personal sale in no way affiliated with our business. Any such arm will be shipped to a licensed FFL or C&R holder in accordance with Federal law. All firearms are sold as collector's items and are not warranted safe for shooting. Please consult a competent gunsmith prior to shooting any firearm. Message or call with any questions about this firearm, or any of our other items at 860-873-1092 (office) or 860-345-2100 (shop).
 

SOLD

Antique: Yes
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Pre-First Model "Fluck" Dragoon
Serial Number: 2242
Caliber Info: .44
Barrel Type: Prototype Octagon
Manufacture Date: 1848
Extras: Pommel Holster