Lot 58

R. B. Rodda & Co. Cased Gold Inlaid Colt No. 1 Derringers

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R. B. Rodda & Co. Cased Gold Inlaid Colt No. 1 Derringers

Estimate: $12,000 - $18,000

Starting Bid: $10,000

(0 Bids)

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

Desirable R. B. Rodda & Co. Calcutta Deluxe Cased Pair of Extraordinary Exhibition Quality Gold and Silver Inlaid and Engraved Colt No. 1 Derringers -A) Colt No. 1 Derringer Desirable R. B. Rodda & Co. Calcutta Deluxe Cased Pair of Extraordinary Exhibition Quality Gold and Silver Inlaid and Engraved Colt No. 1 Derringers -A) Colt No. 1 Derringer Colt purchased the National Arms Co. in 1870 and continued to produce the company's No. 1 and No. 2 derringers under the Colt name. Only approximately 6,500 of the No. 1 derringers were manufactured over the next two decades. These were Colt's first single shot pistols and first derringers. Most were engraved with simple scroll and floral motifs, but this beautiful pair received more deluxe embellishment for the Indian market. The sides of the barrels and grip frames feature gold and silver inlaid and engraved floral scroll motifs showcasing leaves and blossoms. Additional gold inlaid accents are featured on the areas behind and ahead of the hammers. The embellishment is the Damascene style popular on ornate Indian arms for centuries and in demand in the late 19th century on arms imported from Europe and the United States. The pistols also feature German silver half-moon front sights, hammer notch rear sights, checkered spur triggers and hammers, and a nitre blue finish. The top of each of the matching serialized barrels is marked "COLT'S PT.F.A. MFG. Co./HARTFORD CT. U.S.A." followed by "No1" flanked by Maltese crosses. The serial numbers are marked on the butts. The underside of the barrels are British proofed. The grip area is iron with shallow checkering on the sides and deep sharp checkering on the back strap. The French-cut, green velvet lined, nicely figured rosewood veneer presentation case has "R.B. RODDA & CO./GUN MAKERS & ARMOURERS/CALCUTTA" branded on top to the lid. The gun maker and dealer R.B. Rodda & Co. had branches located in Birmingham, England, and Calcutta, India, circa 1846 to 1955. The inside of the deluxe case has a trade label in the lid which reads, "Colt's Patent Fire Arms Manufacturing Co./26 Glasshouse Street/Piccadilly Circus/London W." The lining has gold embossed accents, borders, and floral motifs. The case holds a cartridge block with 12 "U" head stamped cartridges.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: #1 Derringer

BBL: 2 1/2 inch flat top

Gauge: 41 RF

Finish: nitre blue/gold/silver

Grips: metal

Serial Number542

Class: Antique

B) Colt No. 1 Derringer As described in "A".

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: #1 Derringer

BBL: 2 1/2 inch flat top

Gauge: 41 RF

Finish: nitre blue/gold/silver

Grips: metal

Serial Number589

Class: Antique

  • Condition: A) Very fine as period retailer embellished with 95% of the attractive bright nitre blue finish, bright gold inlays, attractive aged patina on the silver, and a smooth gray patina on the balance. Mechanically functions. The case is very fine showing minor cracks and handling/storage marks. The lining is also very fine with some contact wear and rich color. B) Very fine as period retailer embellished with 95% of the attractive bright nitre blue finish remaining, bright gold inlays, aged patina on the silver inlays, absent inlay ahead of the hammer, and a smooth gray patina on the balance. Mechanically functions. Overall, a beautiful cased set.

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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