This is a Very Good early Martially Marked Colt Bullet Mold from the 1850's made for the Colt 3rd Model Dragoon and .44 Caliber Revolving Carbine that were issued to Dragoons or Cavalry. This one was inspected by Army Sub-Inspector A.D. King who also inspected the 3rd Model Dragoon, Colt 1851 Navy, Colt 1861 Navy, Colt 1860 Army, and the Starr Revolver. On a side note it was A.D. King's inspection of the early Colt 1860 Army helped identify a major design flaw in the cylinders which were causing them to burst during proofing with a double proof of approx. 36 grains of powder. The thinness of the chamber walls were causing the cylinder stops to burst. Colt corrected this by tapering the cylinder walls to make them thicker, resulting in a cylinder that was twice as strong. You can find this story in Charles Pate's excellent book, The Colt Model 1860 Army Revolver.
Back to this mold. You will find ADK on the right side of the body just under the "44R" stamp. It has the dull or matte military style blue that is about 80% on the inner surfaces (mold open), and 25% original blue on the outer body and sprue cutter. The cavities still have most of their original finish and there is a nice "COLT'S PATENT" located at the top of the sprue cutter. There are some marks along the right side of the mold where the cavalryman tapped it trying to get break the bond between the cast lead bullets and the mold. The body from being steel construction and not earlier brass, it dates to 1855-1860. It's marked "44 R" which is for "Rifle" and for the 3rd Model Dragoon Revolver and .44 Caliber Model 1855 Revolving Rifle which was actually a Carbine. Later when the 1860 Army Revolver was introduced, these molds were stamped "44H" which I believe stands for "Holster". However, comparing them side by side, I can find no noticeable visual difference in the mold or the cavities for the conical and round balls for the "44R" and "44H". My guess here is that the "44R" is earlier production to reflect the weapons it was using at that point in time as the 1860 Model didn't exist. Nice mold and given how few 1855 rifles and dragoons were purchased in the mid-to-late 1850's compared to the Civil War, this is not a mold that is nearly as common as the "44H". This would obviously go nicely with a Good to Fine Condition 1855 Revolving Carbine or 3rd Model Dragoon but it would be acceptable paired with a Colt Model 1860 as well and AD King did inspect some of the early 60's. Great for display but this should also cast a fine round and/or conical ball.
Item# i529
$450
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