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LOT 3201
Exceptional P. Orr & Sons Cased, Factory Engraved Colt No. 1 Derringer - Serial no. 3971, 41 RF cal., 2 1/2 inch irregular bbl., blue/silver finish, metal grips. Manufactured circa 1870-1890. Blade front and hammer notch rear
sights, with the top of the barrel marked “COLT’S PT.F.A. MFG. Co/HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.” followed by “ No1” flanked by Maltese crosses and the matching serial number on the underside. Light scroll engraving on the sides of the frame and behind the hammer. The underside of the barrel bears a set of tiny “crown/GP” and “crown/V” stamps, with a small “G” present on the underside of the frame just ahead of the trigger. Includes an oak case with
P. Orr & Sons of Madras interior label, jewelers by appointment to the Prince of Wales. The firm was started by Peter Orr
in 1846, opening their first showroom in Anna Salai in 1879 which was inaugurated by Prince George, Duke of York, who
later became King George V, and Princess Mary of Teck, who later became Queen Mary. They initially sold diamonds, guns, and silver goods, later moving into the mechanical clock business, and are known to have sold the first Rolex watch in India. Also includes a cleaning rod and
some .41 RF cartridges.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains 95% plus of the bright original high polish blue finish on the barrel and 60% of the original silver on the remainder, showing an attractively aged patina, the balance
a smooth grey patina. The markings
and engraving are crisp. Mechanically excellent. The case is fine with minor handling/storage marks
scattered throughout.
Provenance: The George S. Lewis Jr. Collection.
Estimate: 7,000 - 11,000
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