Colt's Third Model derringer was the first design for a derringer pistol developed in-house by the company, with both their First and Second Models having been designs acquired from their takeover of the National Arms Co. The Third Model derringer was a total redesign which was done by a longtime Colt gunsmith, F. Alexander Thuer. Thuer is credited with three different patents during his time with Colt, the first for a metallic cartridge conversion system for percussion revolvers, the second for tools for reloading the cartridges for said conversion, and the third for these derringer pistols. The No. 3, Third Model, or "Thuer" derringer patent was granted on 12 July 1870, and the model would go on to become Colt's most popular derringer model by far, being produced until 1912. The derringers were extremely popular in both Britain and North American, probably due, in large part, to the greatly expanding industrialized urban centers in both. Such highly populated areas led to increases in crime, especially mugging, leading to a strong desire for many to carry a concealed form of protection such as these pistols. By the end of production in 1912, approximately 48,000 of these derringers were produced, though consecutively numbered pairs with this level of embellishment remain scarce, especially in the extremely high condition these two show. It is very likely that this pair are the finest engraved, consecutively numbered pair in existence. This outstanding pair show the later production features such as the sloping hammer and the slightly more open grip profile. They both feature beautifully executed factory floral scroll engraving which encompasses approximately half of the surfaces and the small parts are nitre blued. They have the standard "-COLT-" marking in italics on top of the barrels. The serial numbers are marked on the left side of the grip frames along with "E" prefixes and suffixes, on the bottom of the barrels, and hand marked in ink inside each of the right grip panels. They are both fitted with blade front sights and smooth grips. The pair is housed in an included brown leather wrapped case that has a lightly tooled diamond pattern throughout and is lined with black silk and velvet. This pair of derringers are pictured in "Colt Engraving" by R.L. Wilson on page 266, as well as in Volume No. 53 of the American Society of Arms Collectors bulletin from October 1985, where they are featured in an article about Colt derringers by George S. Lewis.

Excellent, retains 99% of the original nickel finish with only the slightest scattered specks of flaking visible, mostly near the barrel marking and a few areas of engraving. The grips are also excellent with a few scattered light handling marks. Mechanically excellent. The case is very fine with some scattered light handling/storage marks.

See "A". Provenance: The William Edmunds Collection; The George S. Lewis Jr. Collection

Excellent plus, retains 99% of the original nickel finish with some scattered light handling marks and crisp engraving overall. The grips are also excellent with a few scattered light handling marks. Mechanically excellent. One could search a very long time to find a better consecutively serialized pair of factory engraved Colt Third Model derringers, and even then, you may not find a finer set!