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LOT 1120
Highly Attractive London Agency
Cased Pair of Colt Third Model
“Thuer” Derringers with Van Oppen
Markings and Ivory Grips -A) Colt
Third Model Derringer - Serial no.
35197, 41 RF cal., 2 1/2 inch round bbl.,
nickel finish, ivory grips. Introduced in
1870, 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. By the end of production in 1912,
approximately 48,000 of these derringers
were produced. Though not consecutively
serialized, these two derringers have
every appearance of having been paired
by the London Agency and cased
together. They show the later production
features such as the sloping hammer and
the slightly more open grip profile. They
also both have the Van Oppen Rampant
Colt marking on the left of the frames.
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 ivory grips.
Includes a oak presentation style case
fitted for both guns lined with navy blue
baize with a Colt London Agency label
inside the lid, a cleaning rod, key, and
five cartridges.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains
90% plus of the original nickel plating,
a few scattered patches of light flaking and some scattered light dings/scratches. The grips are very fine with a
few age lines and attractively aged tone. Mechanically excellent. The case is fine with a stained trade label and some
scattered minor handling/storage marks. B) Colt Third Model Derringer - Serial no. 35214E, 41 RF cal., 2 1/2 inch
round bbl., nickel finish, ivory grips. See “A”.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains 85% plus of the original nickel plating with a few scattered patches of light
flaking and a few scattered light scratches. The grips are very fine with an attractively aged tone and a few age lines.
Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The George S. Lewis Jr. Collection.
Estimate: 7,500 - 11,000 111