1504

Extremely Rare AM. Sterling Marked Solid Sterling Silver Colt Second Model Derringer Pistol

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:25,000.00 USD Estimated At:50,000.00 - 90,000.00 USD
Extremely Rare AM. Sterling Marked Solid Sterling Silver Colt Second Model Derringer Pistol
This extraordinary Colt Second Model Derringer pistol was manufactured with a solid sterling silver frame and barrel. The left side of the barrel is stamped "AM.STERLING", The top of the barrel is roll-stamped: "+ COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. CO./HARTFORD CT.U.S.A.+" with Maltese crosses at either end of the legend. The barrel marking reads toward the breech. The serial number, "6415" is stamped on the bottom of the bird's head butt and on the underside of the barrel. The sides of the frame top of the receiver and top of the grip strap are decorated with the standard factory scroll engraving. The hammer spur and the face of the trigger are knurled and both the hammer and trigger have a casehardened finish. Colt expert R.L. Wilson states on page 286 of "THE BOOK OF COLT FIREARMS" that: "It is noted that a very few Derringers with silver frames were made". This is one of those very rare Colt Second Model Derringers with a silver frame. Also, the same expert/author states on the bottom of page 218 of "The Book of Colt Engraving" about another known example, "unique solid sterling silver second model Colt Derringer, a presentation to the American Sterling Company. Documented by a Colt factory ledger entry." On page 395 of The Colt Engraving Book, Volume One (also by R.L.Wilson) it states, "Extremely rare sterling silver Second Model Colt Deringer, a presentation to the American Sterling Co. Documented by a Colt factory ledger entry. Checkered and varnished walnut grips. Serial number 3642. The use of silver for manufacture of pistol barrel and frame created one of the most unusual and intriguing of Colt firearms. An identically marked Second Model pistol, number 3847, is also known, and documented. Additional numbers of sterling silver Second Model Deringers, based on data supplied by researcher and collector John Battaglia, are 3635 and 6415 (this example).
BBL: 2 1/2 Inch
Stock:
Gauge: 41 RF
Finish: solid sterling silver bright
Grips: walnut checkered
Serial Number: 6415


Very fine. Wear is limited to some minor handling marks. The hammer and trigger have approximately half of the original casehardened finish. The barrel markings and scroll engraving are crisp. The walnut grips are very fine with approximately 70% of the varnish finish and scattered light handling marks. This is an extraordinary example of an extremely rare Colt Second Model Derringer with sterling silver frame. This is the ultimate find in the Colt Derringer Collecting field and could arguably be one of the most unique of all Colt handguns!