Make: Armi San Marco, Italy
Model: Reproduction Colt 2nd Model Dragoon
Serial Number: 1574
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1970s, ATF Antique
Caliber: .44 Caliber
Action Type: Single Action Percussion Revolver
Markings: The serial number, or a portion of it, is marked on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, backstrap, wedge, loading lever, and cylinder. The cylinder has a roll-engraved Ranger and Indian scene. The left of the barrel is marked "Cal. 44" in front of the flat. There appears to have been markings removed from each side of the barrel, the bottom of the frame, and the outside of the cylinder toward the rear; these were all likely model or Italian proof markings. There is floral scroll and border engraving on the frame, hammer, barrel, loading lever, and grip frame. There are gold bands at the muzzle and the rear of the cylinder.
Barrel Length: 7 1/2"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass blade fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a "V"-notch in the nose of the hammer, visible when cocked.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is a one-piece (really two pieces adhered to a center piece) walrus ivory grip. The grip has some discoloration from age and handling, deep grain lines showing, and light handling marks. There are no chips. The grip has minor play to the grip frame. Overall, the grip is in Very Good Plus condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blue, Coin, & Brass
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates a 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 80% of its metal finish. There are areas on the bottom of the barrel and the outside of the cylinder toward the rear where there is cold-blue touch-up, possibly from removing markings. The top barrel flat is worn or polished bright, and an “ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY” marking has been spuriously added after it left the factory. There are two spots of notable wear on the bottom of the frame at the serial number marking from removed proof marks. There is some discoloration in the brass grip frame that should polish up nicely. Otherwise, the finish is generally strong with a few scattered minor marks. There are infrequent spots of minor oxidation. The action shows minor operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with usable slots. The remaining markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks with minor play on each chamber. We did not fire this revolver. As with all previously owned firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: This is an Engraved 1970s San Marco Italian Made Copy of a Colt's 2nd Model Dragoon, a large .44 caliber percussion revolver descended from the original Walker. The 2nd model Dragoon can be identified by its square-back trigger guard and rectangular cylinder stop notches. This example has beautiful engraving and has been equipped with an attractive walrus ivory grip. Very similar engraved revolvers just like this one are known, suggesting this was some sort of limited edition factory run of engraved Dragoons by Armi San Marco of Italy in the 1970s. Though not explicitly marked, it’s undoubtedly of San Marco manufacture. It appears a previous owner did not like its original maker's markings, as some markings have been removed and the surfaces touched-up with cold blue. The revolver otherwise seems to have seen minimal use, and will make a great display in a collection.
Pistol