Lot 1075

Bulbous Frame Pair of Colt Third Model "Thuer" Derringers

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Bulbous Frame Pair of Colt Third Model "Thuer" Derringers

Estimate: $16,000 - $25,000

Starting Bid: $14,000

(0 Bids)

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

Extremely Scarce and Highly Desirable Early Production "Bulbous Frame" Pair of Three-Digit Serial Number Colt Third Model "Thuer" Derringers, Serial Numbers 166 and 168 with Rare Factory Picture Box -A) Colt Third Model "Thuer" Derringer Extremely Scarce and Highly Desirable Early Production "Bulbous Frame" Pair of Three-Digit Serial Number Colt Third Model "Thuer" Derringers, Serial Numbers 166 and 168 with Rare Factory Picture Box -A) Colt Third Model "Thuer" Derringer 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 incredible pair of derringers are separated by just one serial number and are the "First Type, earliest production" as defined by Norm Flayderman, of which only approximately 200 were made. These early production "First Type" derringers are distinguished by having the high hammer spur, raised bolster or "bulbous" lower forward portion of the frame, and small "COLT" markings in block letters 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 "B" gun of this pair, serial number 166, is pictured on p. 181 of "The William M. Locke Collection" by Frank Sellers. Given the similar wear patterns on these two guns, it is quite possible that they left the factory as a pair and were later reunited, or simply that only the "B" gun was photographed for the previously mentioned book. The top of the barrels have a rounded blade front sight and small block letter "-COLT-" marking. The early production three-digit serial numbers are stamped on the left of the grip frames under the grips, on the bottom of the barrels, and hand-marked in ink on the insides of all the grips. They are both fitted with smooth walnut grips and both have blued barrels with silver plated brass frames. Included with this extraordinary pair is an extremely scarce Colt factory picture box featuring a Rampant Colt on the lid of the box and having the interior fitted for a pair of derringers.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: #3 Derringer

BBL: 2 1/2 inch round

Gauge: 41 Rimfire

Finish: blue/silver

Grips: walnut

Serial Number168

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: blue/silver

Grips: walnut

Serial Number166

Class: Antique

  • Condition: A) Fine, retaining 70% of the original blue finish, 40% plus of the attractively aged original silver, and 60% plus of the vibrant original case colors on the hammer with the balance either a smooth grey patina or attractively aged brass. The grips are also fine with some scattered light dings and most of the original varnish. Mechanically excellent. The box is very good with some mild wear, scuffs, and scattered minor stains. B) Very fine, retains 85% plus of the original blue finish, 90% of the attractively aged original silver finish, and 85% plus of the vibrant original case colors on the hammer with the balance either a grey patina or attractively aged brass. The grips are also very fine with a hairline crack, a couple light chips and most of the original varnish. Mechanically excellent. These early production "bulbous frame" Colt "Thuer" derringers are extremely rare in their own right, while pairs serialized as closely as this are essentially unheard of!

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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