Make: Colt
Model: Third Model Derringer "Thuer"
Serial Number: 1852
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1875-1877
Caliber: .41 Rimfire Short
Action Type: Single Action, Pivoting Barrel, Single Shot
Barrel Length: 2 1/2"
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a german silver blade fixed to the barrel. There is no rear sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The grips are two-piece ivory with carved shell motif at the top and bottom. The grips have some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are cracks at the screw escutcheons. The material shows some discoloration from ate. Overall, the grip panels are in Good-plus condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue and Brass
Finish Originality: Original to the parts, the barrel has a non-matching serial number.
Bore Condition: The bore is dark. The rifling is worn, but visible. There is erosion and pitting scattered through the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 3/10.
Overall Condition: The pistol retains about 50% of its metal finish. Remaining finish is mostly in the brass frame. The barrel has a little blue on the bottom face, covered by the frame, mostly worn to white with a little erosion, mostly around the front sight. The brass has gone to a mustard patina with scattered light nicks and small scratches. The markings range from clear to worn, but legible. Overall, the pistol is in Good condition as Antique and not parts-original, see Mechanics.
Mechanics: The safety notch allows the hammer to sit too low to open the action. At full-cock, the hammer has excessive over-travel. Lockup has notable play. We did not fire this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: Included is an English fit presentation case with an ivory inlay on the lid.
Our Assessment: This is a fairly early production Colt Third Model Thuer Deringer, manufactured ca. 1875-1877. These compact pistols became popular for discreet personal protection during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Their distinctive rotating barrel loading system and compact profile have made them enduring favorites among collectors of early American handguns.
Chambered in .41 Short Rimfire with a 2.5" barrel, the Third Model Thuer Deringer was intended as an easily concealed pocket pistol at a time when small, reliable handguns were in great demand. Although modest in size, these pistols remain historically significant as some of the most recognizable American pocket firearms of their era. This example features period engraving on the frame and barrel, though the barrel's serial marking doesn't match the frame. It is not clear when the two parts were mated to each other, but the frame is stamped "R.F.ENEWOLD" under the grip, indicating it was at one point in possession of prolific antique firearms collector Robert Enewold of Nevada. The pistol has a couple of mechanical issues, but presents rather well with its carved grips and vintage display case. It will make a neat addition to any collection without taking up too much room. Please see our photos and good luck!
