Lot 82

The Only Known Cased Pair of Brass-Frame Colt No. 2 Derringers

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The Only Known Cased Pair of Brass-Frame Colt No. 2 Derringers

Estimate: $22,500 - $35,000

Starting Bid: $19,000

(0 Bids)

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

Exceptional Well-Documented Only Known Cased Pair of Brass-Frame Colt No. 2 Derringers -A) Colt No. 2 Derringer Exceptional Well-Documented Only Known Cased Pair of Brass-Frame Colt No. 2 Derringers -A) Colt No. 2 Derringer Manufactured c. 1870 to 1890, this is the only known cased pair of brass-framed Colt No. 2 derringers, and they remain in exceptional condition. This pair of derringers are pictured on p. 394 of "The Colt Engraving Book Vol. I" and in "Colt Engraving" by Wilson, where they are described as the only known cased pair of brass-framed No. 2 derringers known to the author. The design for the No. 2 derringer, like the previous No. 1 derringer, was based on a design that had already been produced by the National Firearms Co., which was bought out by Colt in 1870. Approximately 9,000 of these No. 2 derringers were produced in total, making them relatively scarce, particularly high condition examples like this one. Norm Flayderman notes that the brass-frame variation of these derringers is rare, with only a few being produced in the 1500 serial number range and a limited number more produced in the 2500 serial number range like this pair. Solitary examples of the brass-framed No. 2 are very rare in their own right, making a cased pair in high condition such as this a truly scarce treasure. Interestingly, the Colt No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3 derringers were essentially produced and marketed concurrently until the No. 1 and No. 2 were dropped from production in 1890. These No. 2 derringers were one of the few Colt models to come standard with factory engraving across nearly all of the production run. This pair show the standard flourishes of floral scroll engraving on the sides of the frames, top of the back straps, and sides of the barrels, with some slight variation between the two, as is typical of hand engraving. The top of the barrels are marked with the two-line address and model marking flanked by Maltese crosses. There are British proofs on the bottoms of the barrels. The matching serial numbers are marked on the butt, bottom of the barrels. Both grip panels on derringer "2522" are matching numbered in ink, while the grips on derringer "2529" are numbered in ink, but the numbers are too faint to confirm as matching. Both are fitted with a German silver blade front sight, hammer notch rear sight, and a pair of varnished, checkered walnut grips. Included with the pair is a Colt London Agency labeled oak presentation case with blue velvet lined interior fitted for the pair, a cleaning rod, a key, and a few cartridges.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: #2 Derringer

BBL: 2 1/2 inch flat topped round

Gauge: 41 Rimfire

Finish: nickel

Grips: walnut

Serial Number2529

Class: Antique

B) Colt No. 2 Derringer See "A".

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: #2 Derringer

BBL: 2 1/2 inch flat topped round

Gauge: 41 Rimfire

Finish: nickel

Grips: walnut

Serial Number2522

Class: Antique

  • Condition: A) Exceptionally fine, retains 85% of the original nickel finish with some mild flaking at the muzzle and some light handling wear on the frame showing the attractively aged brass, some scattered light handling marks, and crisp engraving. The grips are very fine with some scattered light handling marks and crisp engraving. Mechanically excellent. The case is fine with some mild wear. B) Exceptionally fine, retains 90% of the original nickel finish with a couple minor areas of flaking at the muzzle, some scattered light handling marks, and crisp engraving. The grips are excellent with a few light handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. This is the only known cased pair of brass frame Colt No. 2 derringers and could easily be the centerpiece of an elite collection of Colt pocket pistols!

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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