Lot 3102

Cased Pair of Factory Engraved and Silver Plated Colt Third Mode

Previous image preload Next image preload

Cased Pair of Factory Engraved and Silver Plated Colt Third Mode

Estimate: $10,000 - $18,000

Starting Bid: $9,000

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 23, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Desirable Cased Pair of Early Production Factory Engraved and Silver Plated Colt Third Model "Thuer" Derringers -A) Colt Third Model "Thuer" Derringer Desirable Cased Pair of Early Production Factory Engraved and Silver Plated Colt Third Model "Thuer" Derringers -A) Colt Third Model "Thuer" Derringer 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. 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 America, probably due, in large part, to the greatly expanding industrialized urban centers in both. 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 factory pairs with this level of embellishment remain scarce. Being only three serial numbers apart and having basically identical engraving, it is essentially beyond doubt that these two derringers left the factory as a pair. They show the early production features such as the high spur hammer and the tighter grip profile. They both feature beautifully executed factory floral scroll engraving which encompasses approximately three-quarters of the surfaces. They have the standard "-COLT-" marking in italics on top of the barrels and British proofs on the bottom of the barrels. The serial numbers are marked on the left side of the grip frames along with "E" prefixes and suffixes, on the bottom of the barrels, and faintly hand-marked in ink inside the grip panels. They are both fitted with blade front sights and highly attractive smooth ebony grips. The pair is housed in a brown leather wrapped case that has a lightly tooled diamond pattern throughout and is lined with royal blue silk and velvet, including a key and a combination cleaning rod/screwdriver.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: #3 Derringer

BBL: 2 1/2 inch round

Gauge: 41 Rimfire

Finish: silver

Grips: rosewood

Serial Number7058

Class: Antique

B) Colt Third Model "Thuer" Derringer See "A".

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: #3 Derringer

BBL: 2 1/2 inch round

Gauge: 41 Rimfire

Finish: silver

Grips: rosewood

Serial Number7055

Class: Antique

  • Condition: A) Fine, retains 65% plus of the original silver finish remaining mostly bright with the balance either a smooth grey patina or an attractively aged brass, some scattered patches of light spotting, and crisp engraving. The grips are very fine with a few scattered light handling marks. Mechanically excellent. The case is fine with some mild handling/storage wear. B) Fine, retains 50% plus of the original silver finish, showing an attractive lightly aged patina, the balance either a smooth grey patina or attractively aged brass, and a few scattered patches of light oxidation. The grips are very fine with a few scattered very light handling marks. Mechanically excellent. A fantastic pair of early production, factory engraved Colt "Thuer" derringers that would be a wonderful addition to your collection!

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Rock Island Auction will contact you shortly after the auction has completed. We will arrange for shipping and or pickup.

Rock Island Auction Company

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 30% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

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