Lot 59

Factory Engraved Colt Third Model "Thuer" Derringer

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Factory Engraved Colt Third Model "Thuer" Derringer

Estimate: $9,500 - $15,000

Starting Bid: $8,500

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
June 27, 2026 5:00 PM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Highly Desirable and Excellent Factory Engraved Colt Third Model "Thuer" Derringer with Pearl Grips and "Cigar" Case Introduced in 1870, Colt's Third Model "Thuer" derringer was the most prolific variation of their small pocket pistols. Over time, these little derringers have become deeply associated with the American West, making them a highly collectible piece of Americana to this day. These pistols provided a reliable and highly concealable firearm, packing a significant punch for those who did not wish to carry a full size revolver or in places where the open carry of firearms might be frowned upon. To this day, when one envisions a firearm being drawn from a gambler's vest pocket or from a saloon girl's garters, it is quite likely that the gun being imagined is either a Remington double derringer or a Colt "Thuer" adding to their desirability on today's collector market. Particularly highly embellished, deluxe examples such as this one, are easy to imagine in the hands of a well-to-do gentleman or lady on the American frontier or a riverboat on one of the country's many waterways. In production until 1912, these derringers were very popular around the turn of the century and were produced in fairly large numbers, though the vast majority were not in highly attractive, deluxe configurations like this particular derringer. This example shows stunning and extensive factory engraving, which was executed by the shop of Colt's factory Master Engraver Cuno Helfricht, quite possibly by the master himself. Cuno Helfricht spent his nearly 50 year career exclusively with Colt (1871-1921). During his tenure with Colt, Helfricht saw the transition from percussion to cartridge firearms and a rapidly growing market for engraved firearms. At the height of the firearm engraving craze, Helfricht oversaw a shop of six engravers. By the turn of the century, experts believe that Helfricht did most of the work himself with the help from one to two assistants. The top of the barrel has the standard italic Colt marking. The full serial number is on the left of the grip frame, the bottom of the barrel is matching numbered with "1267", and both grip panels are hand marked with the partial matching serial number "4126" and "412" on the left and right respectively. It is fitted with a German silver blade front sight and a pair of very attractive smooth pearl grips. Includes a highly desirable, leather-wrapped "cigar" style case lined with green silk and velvet and fitted for the pistol with a compartment in the upper right holding two cartridges.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: #3 Derringer

BBL: 2 1/2 inch round

Gauge: 41

Finish: nickel

Grips: pearl

Serial Number41267

Class: Curio & Relic Handgun

  • Condition: Excellent, retains 90% plus of the original nickel plating and 80% of the original case colors on the hammer and trigger with the balance a bright grey patina, a few small patches of very light pitting, and very crisp engraving. The grips are also excellent with a few very light handling marks. Mechanically excellent. The case is very fine with some light handling/storage wear. A very attractive example of one of America's most popular derringers around the turn of the century!

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000