Lot 72

Engraved Gold Colt "Thuer" Derringer with Buffalo Bill Grip

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Engraved Gold Colt "Thuer" Derringer with Buffalo Bill Grip

Estimate: $20,000 - $35,000

Starting Bid: $18,000

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 21, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Highly Attractive Factory Engraved Gold Washed Colt Third Model "Thuer" Derringer with Eagle and William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody Bust Relief Carved Ivory Grips and "Cigar" Style Case These derringers were introduced in 1870 and manufactured until 1912, with around 48,000 total produced, though very few showed such an incredibly high level of factory embellishment like this particular piece. 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. This particular example of Thuer's derringer has extensive, exhibition quality, factory engraving on over 3/4 of the metal surfaces consisting mainly of highly detailed floral scrollwork on beaded backgrounds. It is almost certain that a Colt derringer with this level of embellishment was intended for either presentation or display at one of the large trade exhibitions of the period. 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 and both of the grips have the matching serial number hand-marked in ink on the inside. This derringer shows similar scroll patterns to those applied on other Third Model derringers by Colt Master Engraver Cuno Helfricht, and this example was quite possibly executed by him. The embellishment on this particular derringer doesn't end with the engraving however, as the grips are also each a work of art. The expertly relief carved ivory grip fitted on this derringer feature a highly detailed perched eagle on the right grip, while the left grip features the bust of a man that is almost undoubtedly William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody. Buffalo Bill was one of the biggest celebrities of his day and an American icon due to the fame and popularity of his Wild West show which drew large crowds around the world. He is known to have been presented and to have presented many firearms throughout his career, and it is quite possible that this derringer was made for one of those purposes. Included with this derringer is a highly desirable, leather-wrapped "cigar" style case with fitted interior, a combination screwdriver/cleaning rod, and a couple cartridges.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: #3 Derringer

BBL: 2 1/2 inch round

Gauge: 41 Rimfire

Finish: gold

Grips: ivory

Serial Number41648

Class: Curio & Relic Handgun

  • Provenance: The George S. Lewis Jr. Collection
  • Condition: Very fine, retains 50% of the delicate original gold wash with the balance mostly the lightly frosted nickel plated base, some light flaking at the muzzle, and a crisp engraving. The grips are also very fine with an attractively aged tone, light handling wear, and distinct carving. Mechanically excellent. The case is fine with some mild handling/storage wear. A truly incredible, exhibition worthy piece of Colt factory artistry featuring one of the most famous celebrities of the day; "Buffalo Bill" Cody!

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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