Original Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely nickel plated example of Colt's Third Model .41cal Single Shot Derringer Pistol, which we believe was plated at the factory, or soon after production. 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, and the nickel plating is retained at about 60% overall, with most of the steel barrel having lost the plating due to oxidation and cleaning. It has been polished bright in the areas where the plating is missing. The plating is much better retained on the brass frame, which is probably retained over 85%, with wear on the sides of the frame, as well as on the corners. 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 10404. This matches the serial number stamped on the underside of the barrel, which can only be clearly seen by removing the barrel screw, and 10404 is faintly written with pencil on the inside of both grips. That makes this a very nice "ALL MATCHING" example, with no parts swapped out over the years!

The action opens and closes correctly, and the extractor / ejector is fully functional, popping out the breech latch with an additional pull to the side. We almost never see these still functional! The action works well, with the hammer having a proper half cock position for loading, which holds when the trigger is pulled. The bore is in very good condition, showing a mostly bright finish with clear lands and grooves. There is some past fouling and oxidation in the chamber, but overall this is a great bore for one of these tiny revolvers. The grips are lovely as well, still showing almost all of the original "piano varnish" finish and a lovely red brown color.

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

Specifications:

Years of Manufacture: circa 1885
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.