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AS PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOKS THE COLT ENGRAVING BOOK, VOL. I BY WILSON AND THE WILLIAM LOCKE COLLECTION
BY SELLERS
LOT 3209
Rare Well-Documented Gold Plated Factory Engraved Colt Third Model “Thuer” Derringer with Colt London Agency Cigar Style Case as Pictured in “The Colt Engraving Book, Vol. 1” and “The William M. Locke Collection” - Serial no. 44346, 41 RF cal., 2 1/2 inch round bbl., gold finish, smooth grips. Introduced in 1870, these Third Model “Thuer” derringers were the third iteration of Colt’s single shot pocket pistol. This example is a later production model with the sloping hammer and more moderate curve to the grip profile. The top of the barrel is marked “COLT” in italics and “41 CAL” is marked on the left of the frame. The matching serial number is marked on the left of the grip frame, on the bottom of the barrel, and in ink on the inside of each grip panel. It also shows about 75% coverage beautiful factory floral scroll engraving that was likely executed by Cuno Helfricht. Along with the factory engraving, this derringer has a rare and very attractive full gold plated finish with nitre blue small parts and screws. These derringers are not uncommon with a partial gold plated finish, but are very rarely seen with a full gold plated finish, making this example truly scarce. It is fitted with a blade front sight and a pair of smooth grips. This particular derringer is pictured on
p. 182 of “The William M. Locke Collection” by Sellers as well as on p. 402 of “The Colt Engraving Book, Vol. I” by Wilson, where it is shown in the case. The included case is a burgundy leather wrapped cigar style case with royal blue lined interior and gilt Colt London Agency marking on the lid lining.
CONDITION: Excellent, retains 90% plus of the delicate original gold plated finish with a few scattered small patches of light flaking
and crisp engraving overall. The grips are also excellent with a few scattered light handling marks and a short hairline age crack in the top of the left panel. Mechanically excellent. The case is very fine with some light handling/storage wear. These factory engraved, gold plated Colt Third Model derringers are scarce. Don’t miss this opportunity to add one to your collection!
Provenance: The William M. Locke Collection;
The George S. Lewis Jr. Collection.
138 Estimate: 12,000 - 18,000