This lot consists of an exhibition grade silver and gold inlaid and nitre blue finished closely serialized pair of Colt No. 1 Derringers. The No. 1 Derringer was manufactured from 1870 to 1890 and was based on the National No. 1 Derringer, which Colt purchased in its entirety in 1870. The Derringer was the first single shot pistol manufactured by Colt. The sides of the barrel and grip frame feature a gold and silver inlaid floral pattern showcasing leaves and blossoms. Additional gold inlaid accents are featured on the areas behind and ahead of the hammer. The pistol features a German silver half-moon front sight, hammer notch rear sight, checkered spur trigger and hammer, and nitre blue finish. The top of the matching serialized barrel is marked "COLT'S PT.F.A. MFG. Co./HARTFORD CT. U.S.A." followed by " No1" flanked by Maltese crosses. The serial number is marked on the butt and marked to match on the bottom of the barrel. The underside of the barrel is British proofed. The grip area is iron with shallow checkering on the sides and deep sharp checkering on the back strap. The French-cut, green velvet lined, nicely figured walnut case has "R.B. RODDA & CO./GUN MAKERS & ARMOURERS/CALCUTTA" branded on top to the lid. The gun maker and dealer R.B. Rodda & Co. had branches located in Birmingham, England and Calcutta, India, circa 1846 to 1955. The inside of the case lid has a paper label which reads, "Colt's Patent Fire Arms Manufacturing Co./26 Glasshouse Street/Piccadilly Circus/London W." The lining has gold embossed accents, borders and floral motifs. The case holds a cartridge block with 12 "U" head stamped cartridges.

Very fine as period retailer embellished. The pistol retains 95% of the bright attractive nitre blue finish with a smooth gray patina on the balance. Mechanically excellent. The case is very fine showing a couple minor cracks and a number of minor handling/storage marks. The lining is also very fine with some high spot wear.

As described in "A".

Very fine as period retailer embellished. The pistol retains 95% of the bright attractive nitre blue finish with a smooth gray patina on the balance. The gold inlay ahead of the hammer is missing, otherwise the inlays are complete. Mechanically excellent.