Lot 1084

Factory Engraved Colt Third Model "Thuer" Derringer

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Factory Engraved Colt Third Model "Thuer" Derringer

Estimate: $10,000 - $18,000

Starting Bid: $9,000

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 22, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Highly Attractive and Exceptional Factory Engraved Colt Third Model "Thuer" Derringer with Desirable Von Oppen Marking and British Retailer Case These derringers were introduced in 1870 and totaled around 48,000 produced, with this example being made early in production, having the "high spur" hammer and tighter grip profile. This derringer has gorgeous factory engraving on over three quarters of the metal surfaces consisting mainly of highly detailed scrollwork on beaded backgrounds. There are small British proofs on the bottom of the barrel. The left of the barrel has the desirable "illegal"/"unauthorized" "C" Rampant Colt Von Oppen marking, often seen on examples of these "Thuers" that were imported to and retailed in Great Britain. The top of the barrel has a rounded blade front sight and "COLT" in large italic letters. The serial number is marked on the left of the grip frame, bottom of the barrel, and in ink on the inside of the both grip panels. This derringer shows similar scroll patterns to those applied on other Third Model derringers by Colt Engraver, Cuno Helfricht. It is fitted with a very attractive pair of smooth rosewood grips. Includes a classic oak British retailer case with Robert S. Garden retailer label on the inside of the lid, a cleaning rod, a key, and some cartridges.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: #3 Derringer

BBL: 2 1/2 inch round

Gauge: 41 Rimfire

Finish: blue/silver

Grips: rosewood

Serial Number7030

Class: Antique

  • Provenance: The George S. Lewis Jr. Collection
  • Condition: Exceptionally fine, retains 85% plus of the original blue finish and 60% plus of the attractively aged original silver with the balance either a brown patina or attractively aged brass and crisp engraving throughout. The grips are excellent with a few light handling marks and essentially all the original varnish. Mechanically excellent. The case is very fine with some mild handling evidence.

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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