LONDON RETAILER Marked COLT Third Model “THUER”.41 Caliber RF Deringer C&R Late 1800s/Early 1900s HIDEOUT Self-Defense Pistol

Product Description

LONDON RETAILER Marked COLT Third Model “THUER”.41 Caliber RF Deringer C&R

Late 1800s/Early 1900s HIDEOUT Self-Defense Pistol

Here we present a C&R 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. With the low serial number on this pistol (2901) it is extremely likely that this pistol was manufactured in the 1875 to 1876 range, but due to no accurate recording of serial numbers by year, it must be listed as 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.

The backstrap on this example is marked “F.T. Baker 88 Fleet St. London”. According to the book “British Gunmakers, Vol. I & II” by Nigel Brown, Frederick T. Baker took over the business of Thomas Kerslake Baker at 88 Fleet Street in London in 1857. He moved to 21 Cockspur Street in Southwest London between 1882 and 1898, and then back to 88 Fleet Street between 1899 and 1900.

The overall condition is fine. Original blue and nickel finish. Strong action. The bore is semi-bright in good shape. Sharp markings. The barrel is London proofed. Both grips are in good shape with light wear.

This firearm is classified as a Curio & Relic.

Barrel is 2-1/4 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.

www.ancestryguns.com

$1600
#220068