USPFA 1858 3rd model Dragoon

[sirdutch]

Hello,

I have a Uberti marked (under the loading lever) 3rd model dragoon that I bought recently that came in a USPFA black box with a USPFA instruction manual, curved case hardened nipple wrench and 4 spare nipples. The green vapor paper was also there. My dragoon is "in the white" and in like new condition.

It seems that after Colt sued USPFA over the use of the word "Patent" in their name, USPFA changed their name to USFA, that USPFA boxed up the remaining cap and ball Uberti's they had without marking them as USPFA or USFA and sold them. It is not clear to me if this revolver had any work done to them by USPFA or not or if Uberti manufactured these to any better or different standards than the ones they marketed themselves other than they were sold to USPFA "in the white". Oddly, there are no proof marks on the face of the cylinder that I would have expected after emailing a couple of guys, namely Dr. Jim L. Davis, Founder Replica Percussion Revolver Collector’s Association and Dennis Russell, author of "Percussion Colt Revolvers – The Second Generation – Collector’s Handbook & Price Guide". I will have to get his book soon as I do have a couple of genuine 2nd gen Colts. Dennis' book does not include USPFA firearms as they are not Colts but was gracious to give me his knowledge of this revolver.

My questions are:

Should I have this dragoon finished out with case hardening and bluing or should I leave it the way it is?

Would I lose any collector value with this revolver by finishing it out or would the fact that the revolver is not marked USPFA or USFA just relegat it to be an unfinished Uberti left "in the white".

Thanks for any input.

Meindert

 

[CraigC]

I think you mean 1848. The USPFA percussion guns carry a hefty premium over anything but a 1st generation Colt. They are very well made and they didn't produce very many of them. Certainly better made guns than any 2nd or 3rd generation blackpowder Colt. As a collectible, it will certainly be worth more if kept in its current condition. Were it me, I'd have it finished but then I would also shoot it. These guns will never be produced again and thus, will only increase in value. Probably moreso than anything but a 1st generation Colt. Bidding on any of their guns is pretty healthy right now.

USPFA procured raw parts from Uberti, never complete guns or even finished parts. All guns were fitted and finished under the blue dome.

 

[sirdutch]

USPFA 1848 3rd model Dragoon

Thank you for your reply. Yes, I meant 1848. I too have the urge to have Doug Turnbull finish it and then shoot it. This revolver has the sweetest action that I've seen on a Colt clone or even some Colts.

I'm really going to have to put some thought into this one. I saw it at a shop that I never visited before and walked out with it 30 minutes later.

Once again, thanks for your reply,

Meindert

 

[CraigC]

You mind my asking how much it set you back? PM if you don't want to post it or ignore me if it's none of my business.

 

[sirdutch]

USPFA 1848 3rd model Dragoon

I don't mind sir.

I paid $350 for it out the door. Think I did all right? They go for more new, at least in California any way. Got to go. On the way to an Angels baseball game!!! Hope they win this time.

 

[VA27]

Congratulation on your find! I think that was a great price anywhere! If it was me, I'd leave it as is, shoot it and let it patina naturally. But, I'm not a collector. You might want to do a bit more research before you decide.

 

[Fingers McGee]

SirDutch. IMNSHO you stole it. If it were mine, I'd give it to Turnbull & let them work their magic on the finish.

 

[Foto Joe]

I vote for letting it acquire it's natural patina. Of course that patina will never appear unless you shoot it.

 

[CraigC]

I agree, you stole it. That's less than what a new Uberti sells for and the USPFA's are better guns than any of the later Colt's. You could easily double or triple your money on it. Personally, I would see it as a sign that I needed to spend the extra money to have Turnbull color case harden the frame and lever and charcoal blue the rest.

Or maybe have a gated cartridge conversion installed and the whole get-up refinished.