(A) TRACY EXPRESS INSCRIBED COLT BABY DRAGOON PERCUSSION REVOLVER.

Manufactured in 1848. Fitted with a 4" octagon barrel without loading lever. 2-line New York address marking. Standard "COLTS / PATENT "marked frame and 5-shot percussion cylinder with oval stops. Grips are 1-piece smooth walnut mounted with brass straps, the rear strap period inscribed "Tracy Express Co." The Tracy Brothers made a name for themselves running express lines in the West during the Gold Rush. As early as 1854, Theodore Tracy was employed by Adams Express in Placerville, California, before becoming an agent for the newly formed Pacific Express in 1855. His brother, E.W. Tracy, briefly operated the E.W. Tracy & Co. Express running from San Francisco to Oregon before becoming trustee of the Pacific. In 1857 and 1858 respectively, Theodore opened the briefly lived T.F. Tracy's Carson Valley Express and the Tracy & Spears Express, both running from Placerville. After these ventures he was employed as an agent by Wells Fargo. E.W., also an agent of Wells Fargo, moved operations to Oregon in 1859 and opened the Tracy Oregon Express, Tracy & King Assay Office, and in 1862 the Tracy & Company Express. Tracy Express marked items are some of the scarcest among the express companies, only one other inscribed gun is known to this cataloger, a similarly marked Colt Dragoon sold by Herb Glass. This example is accompanied by an original 1862 Tracy & Co. Express receipt and collection envelope, 6 round packet of Hazard's combustible envelope cartridges, and a large envelope of research compiled by previous owner Hugh Hayes. CONDITION: Good with an even worn dove gray patina. Markings are soft, the roll scene largely illegible. Grip straps are clean but starting to mellow. Grips are fine with scattered light impressions throughout. Crisp mechanics. Dark, black powder abraded bore with visible rifling. Matching numbers observed throughout. A very rare piece of Western express history. Accessories: Box of Ammunition Barrel Length: 4" Caliber/Bore: .31 Percussion FFL Status: Antique Manufacturer: Colt Model: Baby Dragoon Paperwork: Research Serial Number: 6159