Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this excellent cased set of single-shot pistols; these are the Colt Fourth Model Derringers!
SPECIFICATIONS:
*Both Firearms Hold the Same Set of Specifications*
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Fourth Model Derringer
Serial: 21165D & 21166D
Date of Manufacture: 1959-1963
Caliber: .22 Short
Finish: Nickel Plated Frame with Black Barrel
Barrel Length: 2 ½"
Optics/Sights: Fixed
Stock/Grips: Smooth Black
Action: Single-Shot Pistol
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
At the outset of the Civil War, single-shot muskets dominated the battlefield, but by its conclusion, the metallic cartridge revolutionized firearms, leading to a significant shift in armory practices across the nation. Among the early adopters of this new technology was Colt, whose foray into metallic cartridge firearms began not with a revolver but with the innovative Colt Derringers. Initially, Colt struggled to penetrate the cartridge market due to the restrictive patent held by Rollin White, which hindered their ability to produce metallic cartridge revolvers until its expiration in 1870. Seizing this opportunity, Colt acquired the National Arms Company, which had developed a single-shot derringer design that circumvented White’s patent, allowing Colt to effectively enter the market with a popular and established product. Colt's derringers, particularly known for their use of the .41 Rimfire cartridge, became iconic for their compact size and ease of concealment. The first generation of Colt Derringers was notably petite, with 2.5-inch barrels and a one-piece frame that underscored their portability. The simplicity and effectiveness of these firearms appealed to those seeking discreet self-defense options during a time when open carry was often restricted in urban areas. The second generation retained the characteristic materials of brass and iron, shifting to wooden grips for added elegance and a refined aesthetic. The loading mechanism in both early models, which required the barrel to rotate down for loading and ejection, proved functional but complicated, leading to a redesign by Colt employee Andrew Thuer. The Third Model Derringer streamlined this process by introducing a simpler barrel mechanism that swung to the side, enhancing usability while maintaining the firearm's compactness and charm. The Fourth Model, while technically a Colt Derringer, emerged in the 1950s primarily as a nod to the Western film craze and featured a rechambering to .22 Short, produced by Butler. While these later models strayed from the original designs, they nonetheless reflected the enduring legacy of the Colt Derringer as a primary concealed carry option of its time. Despite their small size and relatively modest firepower, these pistols proved effective at close range, showcasing the principle that a firearm you can carry is far more valuable than a more powerful weapon left behind.
Model: Fourth Model Derringer
Serial: 21165D & 21166D
Date of Manufacture: 1959-1963
Caliber: .22 Short
Finish: Nickel Plated Frame with Black Barrel
Barrel Length: 2 ½"
Optics/Sights: Fixed
Stock/Grips: Smooth Black
Action: Single-Shot Pistol
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
At the outset of the Civil War, single-shot muskets dominated the battlefield, but by its conclusion, the metallic cartridge revolutionized firearms, leading to a significant shift in armory practices across the nation. Among the early adopters of this new technology was Colt, whose foray into metallic cartridge firearms began not with a revolver but with the innovative Colt Derringers. Initially, Colt struggled to penetrate the cartridge market due to the restrictive patent held by Rollin White, which hindered their ability to produce metallic cartridge revolvers until its expiration in 1870. Seizing this opportunity, Colt acquired the National Arms Company, which had developed a single-shot derringer design that circumvented White’s patent, allowing Colt to effectively enter the market with a popular and established product. Colt's derringers, particularly known for their use of the .41 Rimfire cartridge, became iconic for their compact size and ease of concealment. The first generation of Colt Derringers was notably petite, with 2.5-inch barrels and a one-piece frame that underscored their portability. The simplicity and effectiveness of these firearms appealed to those seeking discreet self-defense options during a time when open carry was often restricted in urban areas. The second generation retained the characteristic materials of brass and iron, shifting to wooden grips for added elegance and a refined aesthetic. The loading mechanism in both early models, which required the barrel to rotate down for loading and ejection, proved functional but complicated, leading to a redesign by Colt employee Andrew Thuer. The Third Model Derringer streamlined this process by introducing a simpler barrel mechanism that swung to the side, enhancing usability while maintaining the firearm's compactness and charm. The Fourth Model, while technically a Colt Derringer, emerged in the 1950s primarily as a nod to the Western film craze and featured a rechambering to .22 Short, produced by Butler. While these later models strayed from the original designs, they nonetheless reflected the enduring legacy of the Colt Derringer as a primary concealed carry option of its time. Despite their small size and relatively modest firepower, these pistols proved effective at close range, showcasing the principle that a firearm you can carry is far more valuable than a more powerful weapon left behind.
As urban environments began to impose restrictions on firearm carry, the Colt Derringers emerged as an ideal solution for self-defense, easily concealable and discreet enough to navigate the legal landscape of the era. Their effectiveness in close-quarters situations, such as across a poker table, combined with their status as a reliable sidearm, positioned them as the “Ruger LCPs” of their day—small, dependable, and a vital stepping stone in the evolution of modern concealed carry. Overall, the Colt Derringers exemplified a significant shift in personal defense, representing the intersection of innovation, practicality, and social necessity during a transformative period in American history.
Contents:
Contents:
These examples are in great condition showing no evidence of regular consumer use or handling that we can see! Additionally, they will ship with the red velvet-lined Colt presentation case pictured above!
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection.