Summary

Cased pair of Colt 4th Model rimfire Deringers, cal. .22 in., rifled round steel nickel-plated barrel 62 mm (2 1/2 inch) long. In wooden case with burnt 'COLT' framed in a circle on the lid.

Made by Colt's Patent Fire Arms Manufacturing Co, Hartford, Connecticut. Serial numbers 20017N and 20018N, circa 1963,

Physical Description

Barrel hinges to right for loading. Steel nickel-plated frame with almost mint silver plating, slanted hammer characteristic of Colt No.3, 2nd model deringer, sheath trigger, white plastic birdshead grips. Wooden case with burnt 'COLT' framed in a circle on the lid, lined on lid inside with a faux red satin with gold emblazoned Colt rampant horse logo. Cased lower lined in a faux red velvet.

Significance

The Colt 4th Model Deringer appears almost identical to the No.3, or Thuer, Colt deringer on which it is based. While production of the No.3 ceased in 1912, it wasn't until 1959 that manufacture of the 4th Model began. The model was produced in two distinct batches: having either a D or N suffix; D serial numbers being manufactured between 1959-1963, while N serial number were manufactured between 1960-1963. Total production of the D suffix range was approx. 89727, while in the N suffix range it was approx. 22880.

More Information