Factory Engraved Colt Third Model Derringer

Manufactured from 1875 to 1912, this is an exquisite example of a Colt Third Model Derringer which has been identified as being factory engraved by Cuno A. Helfricht. The derringer is pictured and described in R.L Wilson's book "Colt Engraving" on page 269 and page 55 of "The Deringer in America, Volume 2, The Cartridge Period" by L.D. Eberhart and R.L. Wilson. Wilson further identified the pistol and case as being the "property of a British peer," or nobleman, which is likely based on the fact that the included case has an embossed crest on the lid. This crest is that of a coronet and gothic letter "P." Cuno Helfricht spent his nearly 50 year career exclusively with the Colt firm (1871-1921). During his tenure with Colt, Helfricht saw the transition from percussion to cartridge firearms and a rapidly growing market for engraved firearms. At the height of the firearm engraving fad, Helfricht oversaw a shop of six engravers. By the turn of the century, experts believe that Helfricht did most of the work himself with the help from one to two assistants. Helfricht's successor's included famed Colt engravers Wilbur Glahn and William Gough. This Third Model derringer is the high hammer variation. The top of the barrel has the large italicized "-COLT-" marking. The serial number is marked on the frame under the left grip panel. The pistol features a beautiful floral scroll engraving on a punch dot background. There is a scalloped border around the muzzle, a geometric motif on the back strap, and feather design on the frame at the breech and right lower side of the barrel. Nickel plated barrel and frame, casehardened hammer, niter blue screw heads and trigger and polished deluxe horn bird's head grips. The cigar type case is bound in leather and lined in blue velvet. The inside of the case lid is lined in blue silk. The case holds the pistol and 21 "P" head stamped cartridges.

Condition: Excellent plus. The derringer retains 99% original nickel finish showing some scattered light high edge wear. The engraving is crisp. The screw heads and trigger retain 97% original niter blue finish. The hammer retains 95% plus vivid original case colors. The slightly shrunken grips are also excellent showing some age stress lines. Mechanically excellent. The case is fine showing some minor wear and handling marks on the leather, high spot wear to the velvet and a few tears in the silk.