Colt Dragoon Revolver: Historic .44 Caliber Collector’s Gem

As long-time students of history and fieldcraft, we look for artifacts that tell a story as clearly as they hold a legacy. The Colt Dragoon is one of those pieces: equal parts engineering, frontier history, and personal narrative. For collectors and defensive history enthusiasts, this example stands out for its direct connection to an individual whose life intersected with some of the roughest years of American westward expansion.

COLT IDENTIFIED 1ST MODEL “FLUCK” DRAGOON

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Why this Colt Dragoon matters to collectors and historians

The COLT IDENTIFIED 1ST MODEL “FLUCK” DRAGOON, serial number 2848, was manufactured in 1848 and chambered in .44 caliber with a 7 1/2″ barrel. That combination places this revolver squarely in the era of early percussion military sidearms and civilian defense pieces used during the Mexican-American War period and the western migration. For collectors, provenance is everything — and this Dragoon carries personal marks and records that tie it to George Kippen, a silversmith turned prospector and businessman, making it a tangible link to mid-19th century frontier life.

Key physical features and condition

This example is described in very fine condition with a smooth brown patina and traces of original blue in protected areas. There are spots of light pitting throughout the metal and the cylinder retains most of its original scene — details that both authenticate age and influence market value. The grips are reported as very good and the right-hand side bears a carved inscription, “Kippen 1853.” The trigger guard has been reconfigured and the back strap behind the hammer is stamped “G. Kippen,” matching the historical record tied to the owner.

Technical specifics to note

Serial number SN: 2848 confirms an 1848 manufacture date. The .44 caliber and 7 1/2″ barrel are period-correct specifications that affect both handling characteristics and historical classification. The cylinder scene being largely intact adds aesthetic and historical significance; collectors prize original engraving and scenes for the insight they provide into manufacturing and finishing practices of the period.

Historical provenance: George Kippen and the frontier narrative

George Kippen’s life reads like a frontier chronicle. A Bridgeport, Connecticut native who headed west during the Gold Rush, Kippen later relocated to Yuma, Arizona, and became a founding partner in the Arizona Copper Mining Company in 1854. Period accounts describe Kippen assisting in tracking down violent attackers in 1857; contemporary newspaper reporting and Kippen’s own diary record that he and a partner searched armed with “Sharps rifles and six shooters,” ultimately finding the bodies of murdered men about 23 miles from Fort Yuma. Kippen’s diary entry — “Did not succeed in overtaking [the two murderers], but found the bodies of the murdered men about 23 miles from Ft. Yuma. The most horribly cut men that I ever saw!!” — ties the firearm to real, documented events and gives the firearm a narrative that extends beyond its mechanical function.

Assessing value and market considerations

At a listing price of $19,500.99, this Dragoon sits in collector territory where provenance, condition, and rarity converge. The Colt name itself is a major part of the value proposition — Colt revolvers from this era are milestones in firearms history. Potential buyers should weigh condition issues (light pitting, reconfigured trigger guard) against the rarity of an identified owner and the carved inscription and back strap marking that corroborate provenance. For museums, private collectors, or history-minded investors, the documented tie to Kippen elevates the piece beyond a run-of-the-mill antique firearm.

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Curating, conserving, and displaying a Dragoon

Collecting historic firearms requires a balance of preservation and responsible ownership. Light surface pitting suggests this revolver should be stabilized, not over-cleaned; aggressive polishing can remove patina and reduce both historical integrity and value. Use climate-controlled storage, low humidity, and avoid aggressive chemicals. If you plan to display the Dragoon, ensure secure mounting and avoid extended exposure to UV light. Consult a qualified conservator for any restorative work, particularly when dealing with reconfigured parts like the trigger guard.

Legal and safety considerations

Antique firearms often have separate legal classifications, but buyers must confirm local laws and transfer requirements. When handling historic percussion arms, treat them with respect: ensure the piece is unloaded, use proper safety gear, and never attempt to fire an antique firearm without inspection and confirmation from a qualified gunsmith familiar with percussion-era mechanics.

For anyone evaluating historic Colts, this identified first-model Dragoon offers both tangible condition notes — a 7 1/2″ barrel, .44 caliber, SN: 2848 — and a documented human story in George Kippen’s ownership. That combination is what moves an artifact from an interesting example to a museum-worthy piece.

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We bring the lens of tactical familiarity and historical appreciation to every artifact we examine. For serious collectors and history-minded buyers, artifacts like this Colt Dragoon provide a rare, personal window into the people and events that shaped the American West. If provenance, condition, and story are your priorities, this is a piece worth careful consideration.

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