The dragoon is a pepperbox of impressive dimensions. These pepperboxes were only available in a 6-shot, 36 caliber version having a 6″ barrel. Due to their great fire power, these pepperboxes were the guns of choice for gold miners moving west during the great gold rush. These guns are therefore referred to as 49’ers. (1849 being the year of the hype of the gold rush).

The dragoons from the Worcester era have the characteristic rounded grip shape. This grip shape remains standard until the end of production. The frame is beautifully engraved and unlike the standard size pepperboxes, there are no known specimens without engraving. It is assumed that the production of the dragoon pepperboxes had stopped long before the production stop of the other types of pepperboxes. Therefore, the dragoon pepper boxes did not experience the cost-cutting measures such as omitting the engraving.

All dragoon pepper boxes from the Worcester period have the 1845 patented mechanism. However, the 1845 patent date is only marked on the models with the fluted barrel cluster.