Original 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.

However, 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.

This example is very good condition, showing wear from service and cleaning, which has removed most of the original bluing from the barrel, leaving a lovely patina. Unlike almost all the examples we see, this pistol still has most of the original nickel plating on the brass alloy frame! There are a few specs of missing plating on the exterior, with the only area really missing the plating under the barrel. The grips are in good shape, still retaining a good amount of the original "piano varnish" finish, however the left scale does have a repair on the front toe.

The top of the barrel still bears a clear large - COLT - marking on the top. The brass frame still bears the original 41 CAL marking on the left side, and on the left side under the grips is marked with serial number 5227. This matches the serial number stamped on the underside of the barrel, which can only be clearly seen by removing the barrel screw. It is also written in pencil on the inside of the right grip scale (the left side is not usually marked). That makes this a very nice "ALL MATCHING" example, with no major parts swapped out over the years!

The action opens and closes correctly, though it looks like actuator for the extractor is missing, so it is always in the fully presented position. This makes closing the action a bit more difficult than usual, but it is still relatively easy to do. The latch that keeps the breech shut is still in good shape, and the action works well, with the hammer holding correctly at half cock, firing only at full. The bore is in very good condition, showing strong original rifling with a mostly bright finish. There is some wear and past fouling, but it's definitely still well above average.

A lovely concealable pocket pistol from the late 19th century, ready to display!

Specifications:

Years of Manufacture: circa 1880
Caliber: .41cal
Ammunition Type: Rimfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 2 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 4 7/8 inches
Action: Pivoting Barrel
Feed System: Single Shot

NOTE: 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.

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.