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  • Auction Catalog #80
  • Lot #186
Lot #185
Lot #187

Lot 186: Pair of Colt "Thuer" Third Model Derringers with Shared Box

Exceptional Pair of Colt "Thuer" Third Model Derringers with Extremely Rare Factory Box

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: September 11, 2020

Lot 186: Pair of Colt "Thuer" Third Model Derringers with Shared Box

Exceptional Pair of Colt "Thuer" Third Model Derringers with Extremely Rare Factory Box

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: September 11, 2020

Estimated Price: $10,000 - $18,000

A) Colt Third Model Derringer

Manufacturer: Colt
Model: #3 Derringer
Type: Pistol
Gauge: 41 RF
Barrel: 2 1/2 inch round
Finish: nickel
Grip: walnut
Stock:
Item Views: 2962
Item Interest: Active
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 185
Class: Antique
Description:

Colt manufactured these Third Model derringers from 1870 to 1912, and they were Colt's most popular single shot pocket pistols. This exceptionally high condition pair has the later sloped hammers, round blade front sights, "-COLT-" on top of the barrels, London proofmarks on the bottom of the barrels, nickel-plated barrels and frames, casehardened hammers, niter blue remaining small parts, and smooth varnished grips hand numbered to the pistols. They come in an extraordinarily rare box designed to hold the pair. It has "-/5/4" over "Pair" written on one of the wooden rods inside and inside the bottom of the carton. The lid has the Rampant Colt trademark and "COLT'S/41 Cal./BREECH-LOADING/DERINGER."

Rating Definition:

Excellent with 98% plus original nickel plating, essentially all of the bright original niter blue and case colors on the small parts, light scratches, and minimal overall wear. The grips are also excellent aside from a small flake absent on the right at the toe. Mechanically excellent. The incredibly rare box is fine and has distinct markings, minor repairs, moderate edge wear, a small piece absent on the right flap of the lid, and a few small tears.



B) Colt Third Model Derringer

Manufacturer: Colt
Model: #3 Derringer
Type: Pistol
Gauge: 41 RF
Barrel: 2 1/2 inch round
Finish: nickel
Grip: walnut
Stock:
Item Views: 2962
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 185
Class: Antique
Description:

See "A".

Rating Definition:

Excellent with 98% plus original nickel plating, essentially all of the original case colors and niter blue on the small parts, and minimal handling and storage type wear. The grips are also excellent and have only minor edge and handling wear. Mechanically excellent. This amazing pair may be the only pair complete with a Colt box. All Colt boxes from this era are rare, and boxes for the Colt derringers are especially so. They are rarely even seen let alone offered for sale.



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