Page 132 - 4092-BOOK2-FLIPBOOK

130
LOT 1137
Exceptionally Fine London Cased Pair of Factory Engraved and Silver Plated Colt Third Model “Thuer” Derringer Pistols -A) Colt Third Model “Thuer” Derringer
Pistol - Serial no. 6604, 41 RF cal., 2 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/silver finish, walnut grips.
Colt’s Third Model derringer was the first design for a derringer pistol developed in-house
by the company, with both their First and Second Models having been designs acquired from their takeover of the National Arms Co. The Third Model derringer was a total redesign which was done by a longtime Colt gunsmith, F. Alexander Thuer. Thuer is credited with three different patents during his time with Colt, the first for a metallic cartridge conversion system for percussion revolvers, the second for tools for reloading the cartridges for said conversion, and the third for these derringer pistols. The No. 3, Third Model, or “Thuer” derringer patent was granted on 12 July 1870, and the model would go on to become
Colt’s most popular derringer model by far, being produced until 1912. The derringers were extremely popular in both Britain and North American, probably due, in large part, to the greatly expanding industrialized urban centers on both continents. Such highly populated areas led to increases in crime, especially mugging, leading to a strong desire for many to carry a concealed form of protection such as these pistols. By the end of production in 1912, approximately 48,000 of these derringers were produced, though highly embellished pairs such as these remain scarce, especially in the extremely high condition these two show. Though their serial numbers are 24 digits apart, these two have, without a doubt, been paired since leaving the factory. This outstanding pair show the later production features such as the sloping hammer and the slightly more open grip profile. They both feature beautifully executed factory floral scroll engraving which encompasses approximately three- quarters of the surfaces and the small parts are nitre blued. They have the standard “-COLT-” marking in italics on top of the barrels. The serial numbers are marked on the left side of the grip frames and on the bottom of the barrels. The frames are both marked “41CAL” on the left and there are small British proofs on the bottom of the barrels. They are both fitted with blade front sights and smooth grips. Includes a oak presentation style case fitted for both guns lined with navy blue baize with a reproduction Colt London Agency label inside the lid, a cleaning rod, key, a Dr. Joseph A. Murphy collection tag, and two .41 RF cartridges. CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains 95% plus of the original blue and silver finishes with some light high spot wear showing a smooth grey patina, a few light handling marks, and crisp engraving overall. The grips are very fine with a few light handling marks, and a couple minor blemishes in the otherwise nearly complete original varnish. Mechanically excellent. The case is very fine with some light handling/storage wear.
B) Colt Third Model “Thuer” Derringer Pistol - Serial no. 6628, 41 RF cal., 2 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/silver finish, walnut grips. See “A”.
CONDITION: Excellent, retains 90% plus of the original blue and 97% original silver finishes with the balance mostly a smooth grey patina, a few scattered patches of light surface pitting, and crisp engraving overall. The grips are excellent with a few light handling marks and almost all of the original varnish. Mechanically excellent. An incredibly attractive pair of engraved, London cased, Colt Third Model derringers!
Provenance: The John Woodward Collections; The Dr. Joseph A. Murphy Collections, The George S. Lewis Jr. Collection.
Estimate: 30,000 - 50,000