These derringers were introduced in 1870 and totaled around 48,000 produced. This derringer has gorgeous factory engraving on over half of the metal surfaces consisting mainly of highly detailed scrollwork with punched backgrounds along with some border motifs. The engraving is similar to the examples pictured and identified to Cuno A. Helfricht on pages 400 and 401 in R.L. Wilson's book "The Colt Engraving Book, Volume One" and these three pistols (nos. E26071E, 26083E and 26084E) are closely serialized to this example no. 26065E. The top of the barrel has a rounded blade front sight and "COLT" in large italic letters. The bottom of the barrel has tiny British proofs. The serial number on the grip frame has the suffix letter "E," denoting factory engraving. The right grip panel is numbered to the gun. The barrel and frame are nickel plated, the screws are nitre blue, and the hammer is casehardened bordered knurling.

Excellent, retaining 98% plus untouched original nickel plating showing the slightest wear. The grips are also excellent with a few typical age lines at the screw and attractive color. Mechanically excellent. Certainly one of the finest factory engraved Colt Third Model Derringers we have cataloged.