This is an extraordinary example of a Factory Engraved Colt Third Model Thuer Deringer. This Third Model Deringer has a sloping hammer spur and lacks the raised bolster on the forward frame found on early Third Model Deringers. The pistol has a nickel-plated finish and is factory engraved with Germanic scrollwork on a punch-dot background. The engraving appears to be nearly identical to the Cuno A. Helfricht engraved Third Model Deringers serial number 26083E and 26084E pictured on page 401 of "THE BOOK OF COLT ENGRAVING, VOLUME ONE" by R. L. Wilson. The hammer is casehardened and the screws are niter blued. The pistol has factory fitted two-piece ivory grips. "-COLT-" is roll-stamped on the top of the barrel in bold letters. Tiny London "Crown/GP" and "CROWN/V" proof and inspection marks are stamped on the underside of the barrel. The serial number, "260065E" is stamped on the left side of the frame underneath the grips. The "E" following the serial number indicates that the pistol was designated by Colt for special finish and engraving. The matching serial number "26005" is correctly written in ink on the inside of the right grip.

Excellent. The deringer retains nearly 99% of the original nickel-plated finish. Wear is limited to some tiny age spots on the top of the barrel and some very minor dents on the butt. The engraving is crisp and deep. The hammer retains 90% plus of the original case colors. The frame screws show screw-driver marks but retain much of the niter blue finish. The ivory grips are in excellent condition and have yellowed slightly with age. The grips have several tiny hair-line stress marks present on either side of the screw escutcheons and some light dents in the butt. This is an excellent example of a factory engraved Colt Third Model Deringer with ivory grips.