Walter Tufts Jr. and Charles Oates Colley were the successors to Nielson, Wardwell & Co. and were importers and dealers of hardware, cutlery, guns, rifles, and pistols, being particularly noted as associated with the southern trade. They were located and 7 & 9 Barclay Street, across the street from the famous Astor House in New York City. They were active c. 1858-1865. Joseph Tarratt was a "special partner" and investor in the firm, and was also a noted importer/dealer, and George A. McCleskey of Georgia is also listed in association with the firm. The pistols have Damascus barrels with seven-groove rifling, German silver blade front sights, "DERINGER/PATTN" marked on the top flats, and star patterns engraved on the gold and platinum banded casehardened breech plugs. The tangs have notch rear sights and scroll engraving. The casehardened back action locks are signed "TUFTS/& COLLEY" and have scroll engraving. The furniture is German silver with some additional engraving on the trigger guard bow and trigger plate finial. The stocks have checkered bird's head wrists. Includes a modern display box.

Very fine with 85% original brown and casehardened finishes, minor fading to smooth gray and brown patina, light aged patina on the German silver, crisp engraving and markings, and generally minor wear. The stock is fine and has crisp checkering, a faint crack on the left at the breech, and some dings and scratches. Mechanically fine.

As described in "A."

Fine with 50% original brown and casehardened finishes with fading to smooth gray and brown patina, light aged patina on the German silver, crisp markings and engraving, and minor overall wear. The stock is fine and has crisp checkering and mild scratches and dings. Mechanically fine.