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Make: Colt
Model: Third Model Deringer (Thuer)
Serial Number: 21194
Year of Manufacture: ca. 1875-1912
Caliber: .41 Short Rimfire
Action Type: Single Action, Single Shot, Side-Loading
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “-COLT-”. The serial number, “21194”, is 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 varnished walnut panels. The grips have minor handling wear with no unsightly marks. There are no chips or cracks. The grips have the serial number matching that of the deringer penciled inside the left grip panel. Overall, the grips are in Excellent Condition.
Type of Finish: Blue Barrel, Silver Coated Frame
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This derringer pistol retains about 98% of its metal finish. The barrel has a thin line of mottled patina. The frame retains its silver finish on the brass surfaces. The barrel is boldly blue. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are strong. Overall, this derringer pistol is in Excellent Condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a safety notch. The lockup has very little to no play. The spur trigger is crisp. We did not fire this derringer. As with all previously owned firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: Colt originally entered the single shot derringer market through their purchase of the National Arms Company in 1870. Their design utilized a rotating barrel, and Colt started production immediately, giving rise to the 1st and 2nd models of Colt derringer pistol. However, at around the same time, one of Colt’s veteran gunsmiths, F. Alexander Thuer, invented an entirely different design, which was subsequently patented. This became known as the "Third Model", but also as the "Thuer Model" after the designer. It utilized a simple pivoting barrel mechanism that swung the breech to the right, which also actuated the extractor. This ended up being a much better system, and the Third Model “Thuer” was by far the most popular, introduced in 1875 and remaining in Colt catalogs until 1912 with some 45,000 produced.
This Colt Third Model “Thuer” Deringer was made between 1875-1912 and is in Excellent Condition. It features a 2.5” pivoting barrel, 98% of its lustrous, original blued (barrel) and silvered (frame) finish, gorgeous, serial-number matching two-piece smooth varnished walnut grips, a crisp spur trigger, an action that opens and closes correctly, a tight lockup, clear markings, and a bright bore with sharp rifling and no erosion. This Colt “Thuer” Deringer has been immaculately preserved, and it’s truly a prize to round out your Colt derringer collection.