Guns International #: 102104739
Seller's Inventory #: 226182

Category - Colt Pistols - Derringer - Handguns - English Pistols

Category
Colt Pistols - Derringer
Handguns - English Pistols

COLT Third Model “THUER” Single Shot .41 Caliber RF NEW MODEL Deringer C&R BRITISH PROOFED / LONDON RETAILER Marked Pistol

Description:
COLT Third Model “THUER” Single Shot .41 Caliber RF NEW MODEL Deringer C&R

BRITISH PROOFED / LONDON RETAILER Marked Pistol

Here we present a C&R British Proofed London Retailer Marked Colt Third Model Thuer Deringer, also known as the New Model Deringer, made between 1875 and 1912. During this span, Colt manufactured 45,000 of these deringers. The serial number series ran from 1 to 45,000, though the yearly production numbers are not known. This low serial number of 7750 would make it likely that this example was manufactured in the late 1870s to early 1880s, but due to no records specifically stating the year produced by the serial number, it must be listed as a C&R.

In 1870 Colt’s purchased National Arms Company and began producing a Deringer pistol based on its design. This became Colt’s First Model Deringer, and it was Colt’s first single shot pistol. It was followed in quick succession by a very similar pistol, called Colt’s Second Model Deringer.
Both of these pistols were chambered for .41 rimfire and featured a barrel that rotated counter-clockwise for loading and unloading. In the same year, a Colt employee, F. Alexander Thuer, patented an altogether different design. His Deringer had a barrel that pivoted to the right on a vertical axis for loading and unloading. Instead of using a manually operated latch to open, his used a very positive, spring-loaded catch and detent that did not require anything but a firm twist of the barrel. This spring-loaded catch also acted as an automatic ejector, which was very handy for a single shot self-defense pistol. These were sold alongside the other two models as the Third Model Deringer but are now known to many as the Thuer Model. The Thuer was far and away the most successful of the three. These were very refined, very handy conceal and carry pieces all the way through 1912, when semi-automatic firearms took the lion’s share of the market.

This example is London proofed and has a London retailer marked backstrap “COGSWELL & HARRISON.” Cogswell & Harrison was established in May 1770 and is London’s oldest surviving gun maker. Over the years, Cogswell & Harrison has manufactured a quite diverse range of sporting shotguns and rifles during its long history. In 2008 the company was purchased by the Brennan family, the proprietors of Ardee Sports Company.
This little deringer would have come in very handy on the busy streets of London during the tumultuous late 19th to early 20th century.

The overall condition is good. Strong action. Semi-bright bore, remains in good shape. Original finish. Both grips are in good shape. The right grip has a bit of wiggle, and the grip screw does not thread properly. Clear markings.

This firearm is classified as a Curio & Relic.

Barrel is 2-1/2 inches.

Caliber: .41 Rimfire

Overall condition as seen in photos.

Very Fast. Very Safe. FREE SHIPPING. Will need to be sent to your local FFL or C&R licensee. This firearm is classified as a Curio & Relic.
Guaranteed AUTHENTIC & Includes CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY.

ancestryguns

$1200

#226182
 

SOLD

Curio/Relic: Yes