In House Shipping:
Make: Colt
Model: Third Model Deringer (Thuer)
Serial Number: 18329
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1875-1895
Caliber: .41 Short Rimfire
Action Type: Single Action, Single Shot Side Loading
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “-COLT-“. The bottom of the barrel is marked “18329”, found again marked on the left of the grip frame under the grip. The left of the frame is marked “41 CAL”.
Barrel Length: 2 1/2”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a rounded blade fixed to the front of the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth wood panels. The grips have moderate handling wear with some scattered minor marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very good condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue & Silver-Plated Brass
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray with no rifling left. There is corrosion throughout the bore. The bore rates at 4/10 in this writer’s opinion.
Overall Condition: This derringer retains less than 10% of its metal finish. The barrel has a speckled appearance with remaining surfaces gone to a light patina. Most of the frame has lost its silver finish in the exposed surfaces, with a little bit in protected areas like under the barrel on the right side of the frame and in the grip straps. There is strong silver finish on the sides of the frame under the grips (concealed when the grips are installed). The screw heads range from tool marked to sharp. The markings are semi-clear. Overall, this pistol is in good condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a safety notch. The lockup has light no play. The trigger is crisp. We did not fire this derringer. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards..
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included with this derringer is the ultimate in carry cases. A Gambler’s kit combined with a gentlemen's toiletry Kit. The box is loaded with all sorts of Old West accoutrement to get gambler into and out of sticky situations. Included in the handsome brass accented, wooden box is a soap dish with soap, a cologne bottle with cologne, 3 glass jars, a shaving cream brush, a straight razor, a strap for sharpening, a manicure set with, files, picks, and pearl handled clippers, a set of Gamblers glasses with sides to keep other players from seeing the gamblers eyes.As well as a Gamblers tie clip, four .41 Rim Fire Caliber cartridges, a shoe horn, a deck of cards, a tray of poker chips, a couple mouth pieces for a pipe, in a pipe case, a cigar case and cigar, a container of different size dice and upon further inspection a bag of jewels hidden away.
Our Assessment: The most popular of the Colt derringers, the Third Model or “Thuer” was introduced in 1875 and remained in Colt catalogs until 1912 with some 45,000 produced. This is a nice example with some original finish remaining. It has a better bore than we’re used to seeing on these old deringers and still locks up tight. This will make a great Thuer to round out your Colt derringer collection. This a good example of a vintage firearm type favored by gamblers, lawmen, and ladies of the night in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This one comes with a handsome display case with cards, dice, and poker chips, and so much more. Go ahead and gamble on this rare display. (Ammo Ships Separate)