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LOT 1122
Highly Desirable Early Production Gold and Silver
Plated “Bulbous Frame” Variant Colt Third Model
“Thuer” Derringer with Pearl Grips - Serial no. 491, 41 RF cal., 2 1/2 inch round bbl.,
gold/silver finish, pearl grips. These derringers were introduced in 1870 and totaled around
48,000 produced, while only around 1,800 of these very early production examples were made. This example is a “First Type,
later production” as defined by Norm Flayderman, having the high hammer spur, raised bolster or “bulbous” lower forward
portion of the frame, and large italic “COLT” marking on top of the barrel. These early Colt Third Model derringers were widely popular to tuck away
in a coat pocket or purse as a last line of defense, leaving very few with significant amounts of finish, making them highly collectible in almost any
condition. The top of the barrel has a rounded blade front sight and large italic “-COLT-” marking. The early production three-digit serial number,
“491”, is stamped on the left of the grip frame under the grip and on the bottom of the barrel. It is fitted with a very attractive pair of smooth pearl
grips. While many of these early Third Model derringers are seen with silver plated frames, they are rarely seen with gold plated barrels as the standard
finish was blue. The consignor notes that this is the first time this specific derringer has been offered publicly in over 60 years.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 60% of the original gold finish on the barrel with the balance a smooth grey patina and 50% of the original silver on the frame, showing an attractively aged
patina, and the balance an attractively aged brass. The grips are excellent with a very light edge chip in the
butt of the right panel and otherwise only the slightest handling marks. Mechanically excellent. A very
rare, gold and silver plated, early production, “bulbous frame” Colt Third Model derringer that will be a
missing piece in many collections!
Provenance: The Norm Flayderman Collection; The George S. Lewis Jr. Collection.
Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500
LOT 1121
Attractive
Deluxe New
York Engraved,
Silver and Gold Plated Colt Open
Top Pocket Model Spur Trigger Revolver
with Pearl Grips, “Pipe” Case, and Factory
Letter - Serial no. 3481, 22 RF cal., 2 3/8 inch
round bbl., silver/gold finish, pearl grips. The
accompanying factory letter lists this revolver
as shipped on November 2, 1872, in a 70 gun shipment, to Cooper, Harris &
Hodgkins in New York City, in .22 rimfire, with a 2 3/8 inch barrel, blue finish,
and varnished walnut grips. This example features deluxe New York engraving with a silver
plated brass frame and barrel, and a pair of attractive period smooth pearl grips. Scroll and punch-dot
engraving is featured on the sides of the frame, the gold plated cylinder, and on the barrel at the breech. There
are starbursts on the back strap and sides of the barrel lug. The top of the barrel is stamped “COLT’S PT.F.A. MFG.
CO/HARTFORD. CT. U.S.A.” flanked by Maltese crosses. The matching serial number is marked on the butt and bottom
of the barrel. Includes a desirable leather wrapped fitted “pipe” case.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 70% of the retailer silver which shows an attractive antique patina and 60% of the bright gold finish
with some scattered minor flaking and patches of light pitting, primarily on the barrel and cylinder. The otherwise fine grips have a series of darkened pin
sized holes and scratches with minimal handling marks. Mechanically excellent. The “pipe” case is good with moderate wear and staining.
Provenance: The Richard Littlefield Collection.
Estimate: 6,500 - 9,500
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