{"product_id":"original-u-s-colt-3rd-model-thuer-single-shot-derringer-in-41-caliber-rimfire-matching-serial-20595","title":"Original U.S. Colt 3rd Model \"Thuer\" Single Shot Derringer in .41 Caliber Rimfire - Matching Serial 20595","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely example of Colt's Third Model .41cal Single Shot Derringer Pistol, often called the \"Thuer\" model or \"New Model\" derringer. Colt had originally gotten into 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 the pistol.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, at around the same time time, Colt employee F. Alexander Thuer made an entirely different design, which was subsequently patented. This became known as the \"Third Model\", but also was known as the \"Thuer Model\" after the designer. It utilized a pivoting barrel that swings the breech to the right, which also actuates the extractor. There was no annoying barrel release button to push, as only a detent and ball mechanism keeps the barrel closed, with the hammer preventing opening in the fully forward position. This ended up being a much easier system to use than the other models, and the third model was by far the most popular after it was introduced in 1875.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example is very good condition, showing wear from service and cleaning, which removed most of the plating from the frame. There is some still retained on the back strap, and the barrel still retains relatively strong bluing, though it may have been refinished at some point. The top of the barrel still bears a clear large \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e- COLT -\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e marking on the top. The brass frame still bears the original \u003cstrong\u003e41 CAL\u003c\/strong\u003e marking on the left side, and on the left side under the grips is marked with serial number \u003cstrong\u003e20595\u003c\/strong\u003e. This matches the serial number stamped on the underside of the barrel, which can only be clearly seen by removing the barrel screw. That makes this a very nice \u003cstrong\u003e\"ALL MATCHING\"\u003c\/strong\u003e example, with no parts swapped out over the years!\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe action opens and closes correctly, though it looks like the extractor \/ ejector is not currently hooked up to the actuator on the underside of the barrel. The latch that keeps the breech shut is still in good shape, and the action works well, though the hammer does not hold at half cock, and the mainspring looks to have been repaired. The bore still shows the original rifling, but it is faint due to wear and powder burn.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA lovely concealable pocket pistol from the late 19th century, ready to display!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYears of Manufacture: circa 1885\u003cbr\u003eCaliber: .41cal\u003cbr\u003eAmmunition Type: Rimfire Cartridge\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBarrel Length: 2 1\/2 inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 4 7\/8 inches\u003cbr\u003eAction: Pivoting Barrel\u003cbr\u003eFeed System: Single Shot\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42125146652741,"sku":"ONJR24OL0130","price":595.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR24OL0130__01.jpg?v=1733957316","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-colt-3rd-model-thuer-single-shot-derringer-in-41-caliber-rimfire-matching-serial-20595","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}