This is an authentic .44 caliber Dance Revolver, manufactured in Columbia, Texas, probably in early 1862.  Typical of most Dances, it is well used, with some pits, some dings, metal flaws and even a splice to repair a bad casting on the backstrap.  Even so, the gun has a nice appearance and is tight.  The action works well with a little hit and miss, due to wear.  The bore has some pitting, but the rifling is still distinct and is the typical seven groove, right hand twist, non-progressive rifling used by Dance.  There are a number of characteristics about this gun which lead me to believe it is very early production, maybe within the first ten revolvers made.  First, the gun has no serial numbers and no cryptic marks.  Without doubt authentic, yet devoid of any markings whatsoever.  Gary Wiggins mentions, in his book on Dance Revolvers, that a few have turned up in the surveys which are unmarked.  Second, there is no bearing wheel at the base of the hammer.  The mainspring holds tension directly on the back of the hammer.  Mr. Wiggins indicates that most, but not all Dances have this feature.  Third, there is no capping groove in the frame, to the right of the hammer.  Again he indicates that most but not all Dances have this feature.  There are casting flaws in the trigger guard and the backstrap.  There is an inlay of brass in the backstrap, which looks like an attempt to salvage a bad casting.  These guns are primitive by nature.  This one is about the most primitive one I have ever seen.  That is why I think it is possibly a very early production gun.  SOLD!!