In total, over 19,000 six-shot .44 caliber First, Second and Third Model Colt Dragoon revolvers were produced between 1848 and 1861. Many were purchased for military issue by both the U.S. and individual state government and were used during the Civil War. This particular revolver is one of a pair owned by Benjamin F. Butler. Butler served in the Massachusetts state militia in the 1840s and 50s, and became a Major General of Volunteers in the U.S. Army during the Civil War.