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  • Auction Catalog #4090
  • Lot #151
Lot #150
Lot #152

Lot 151: Early Production Colt Third Model "Thuer" Derringer

Outstanding and Rare Early Production "Pregnant Frame" Variant Colt Third Model "Thuer" Derringer with "Coin Purse" Style Case

Auction Location: Bedford, TX

Auction Date: December 8, 2023

Lot 151: Early Production Colt Third Model "Thuer" Derringer

Outstanding and Rare Early Production "Pregnant Frame" Variant Colt Third Model "Thuer" Derringer with "Coin Purse" Style Case

Auction Location: Bedford, TX

Auction Date: December 8, 2023

Estimated Price: $6,500 - $8,500
Price Realized:
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Outstanding and Rare Early Production "Pregnant Frame" Variant Colt Third Model "Thuer" Derringer with "Coin Purse" Style Case

Manufacturer: Colt
Model: #3 Derringer
Type: Pistol
Gauge: 41 RF
Barrel: 2 1/2 inch round
Finish: nickel
Grip: rosewood
Stock:
Item Views: 1676
Item Interest: Average
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 138
Class: Antique
Description:

These derringers were introduced in 1870 and totaled around 48,000 produced. The top of the barrel has a rounded blade front sight and rare "COLT" in small block letters as seen only on the earliest "pregnant frame" derringers. The hammer is the early production "high" variant and it has the raised bolster on the forward bottom portion of the "bulbous" frame. The three-digit serial number, "507", is stamped on the left of the grip frame under the grip and on the bottom of the barrel. It is fitted with a pair of smooth rosewood grips. Included with this desirable derringer is a very rare, grey suede coin purse style case with a metal clasp top, perfect for protecting the little derringer while stashed away in a gentleman's coat pocket or lady's purse. Cases such as this are incredibly scarce today due to the materials they're made of. Provenance: The George S. Lewis Jr. Collection

Rating Definition:

Excellent plus, retains 99% of the original nickel finish and 40% of the delicate original nitre blue with some scattered light handling marks. The grips are also excellent with a few scattered light handling marks. Mechanically excellent. The rare coin purse case is very fine with some light wear. A chance to own quite possibly the finest known early production "bulbous frame" example of a Colt Third Model derringer!



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