~ Colt 1847 Walker Dragoon Belgium Brevet/Pattent ~
This apparently is an ex Bannermans pistol. So was saved from abuse by the Bannermans Company for many years. It has usual wear and the rammer catch spring is slightly weak, as in all Walker specimens. This is in good working order and in original condition with good nipples. All markings are correct and present. Colour plum brown grey in most places. Shows surface wear and small dings here and there. Overall 9/10 for a specimen. Good contours.
This particular piece has been made in Belgium for the European market and not only under a Colt Brevette. This made the retail easier and probably helped eliminate import taxes. However the revolver made its way back to th US probably to be used in during the civil war.
The US Rock Island Auction house confirmed for the owner in October 2024 the history and provenance of this revolver. All this can be easily verified.
Top flat Address: ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW - YORK CITY
Sr Numbers all present:- 213
Cylinder scene intact in many places
Marked to LHS of Frame: D COMPANY No 213
Marked to LHS above barrel wedge: D COMPANY No 213
Marked to RHS Above original barrel wedge: 1847
Cartouche to underneath / base of original grips: D COMP -
The Colt 1847 Walker Dragoon is one of the most famous revolvers in American history, known for its power, size, and significance in the development of handguns.
Here’s an overview of its history:
1. Background and Development
Origins: The Colt 1847 Walker Dragoon was a collaboration between Samuel Colt, an American inventor and gun manufacturer, and Captain Samuel Hamilton Walker, a Texas Ranger and U.S. Army officer. Walker had experienced the inadequacies of existing handguns during his service and sought a more powerful and reliable weapon.
Samuel Colt's Early Work: Samuel Colt had previously designed the Colt Paterson revolver, but it was not widely successful, and Colt’s first company failed. Walker, however, saw potential in Colt’s design and approached him in 1846 with ideas for a new revolver that would be more effective for mounted troops, known as dragoons.
2. Design and Specifications
Design Collaboration: Colt and Walker worked together to design a new, more powerful revolver. Walker’s input was crucial in specifying a gun that could deliver the firepower needed in combat situations. The result was the Colt 1847 Walker Dragoon, which was larger and more powerful than any other handgun of its time.
Specifications:
Caliber: The Walker was chambered in .44 caliber, a large and powerful round for the time.
Capacity: It featured a six-shot cylinder, allowing multiple shots before needing to reload.
Size and Weight: The Walker was massive, weighing about 4.5 pounds and measuring 15.5 inches in overall length, with a 9-inch barrel. This made it the largest and heaviest military sidearm ever issued by the U.S. Army.
Powder Charge: The revolver was designed to hold a maximum of 60 grains of black powder, making it extremely powerful, with a muzzle velocity of about 1,000 feet per second.
3. Military Use and Impact
Mexican-American War: The Colt Walker was officially adopted by the U.S. Army and saw service during the Mexican-American War (1846–1848). It was particularly favored by mounted troops, or dragoons, because of its stopping power and range, which were unmatched by other sidearms of the period.
Production: Approximately 1,100 Colt Walker revolvers were produced in 1847, with 1,000 of them ordered by the U.S. government for military use, and the remaining 100 sold on the civilian market. The revolvers were manufactured by Eli Whitney Jr., using Colt's patented designs.
Operational Challenges: While the Walker was powerful, it had some flaws, including a tendency for the cylinders to explode if overloaded with powder. The gun's large size and weight also made it difficult to handle for some users, especially when fired one-handed.
4. Legacy and Influence
Subsequent Colt Revolvers: The success of the Walker Dragoon revived Samuel Colt’s career and laid the foundation for his future success. The Walker’s design influenced Colt’s later models, including the Colt Dragoon series, which were slightly smaller and addressed some of the Walker’s shortcomings.
Cultural Impact: The Colt Walker became a symbol of the American frontier and the Texas Rangers. It was famously depicted in literature, movies, and television, often associated with rugged individualism and the American West.
Collectibility: Original Colt Walker revolvers are extremely rare and highly valued by collectors. Due to their historical significance and limited production, surviving examples can fetch high prices at auctions.
5. Reproductions and Modern Interest
Reproductions: Due to its iconic status, the Colt Walker has been reproduced by various companies for modern enthusiasts and collectors. These reproductions are often used in historical reenactments and by black powder shooting enthusiasts.
Smithsonian Exhibition: One of the original Colt Walker revolvers is displayed at the Smithsonian Institution, highlighting its importance in American history.
In summary, the Colt 1847 Walker Dragoon was a groundbreaking revolver in terms of size, power, and impact. It played a significant role in American military history and remains an enduring symbol of the Old West and the ingenuity of Samuel Colt.
