[Triton]

I just took a pair of matching derringers, with sequential serial numbers in on trade. Guns were made in 1960 according to Colt, and are in a solid 95+ condition, but the display case needs some refinish work. They are 22 short caliber.
Was wondering if anyone else had a set or an idea of their value?

 

[Buckspen]

I have a similar pair that was made in 1970. I paid $438 for them in a local auction two years ago. They were 100% and unfired in the original case.

- - - Buckspen

 

[Triton]

I have a similar pair that was made in 1970. I paid $438 for them in a local auction two years ago. They were 100% and unfired in the original case.

- - - Buckspen

Ten years newer, I'm not sure if that's good or bad, lol. I'm not too worried about it, I have no intention of selling them, I'm just curious about the history and market values. That tells me what to insure them for.
Thanks for the reply

 

[ace]

i have a cased lord derringer pair in similar condition to the pictured pair. I intend to sell them locally and will be asking around 425. for the set.
current bluebook values them up to 495. so I guess the lower 4 range fits yours and mine.

 

[Triton]

i have a cased lord derringer pair in similar condition to the pictured pair. I intend to sell them locally and will be asking around 425. for the set.
current bluebook values them up to 495. so I guess the lower 4 range fits yours and mine.

Thanks for the reply, sounds about right. I didn't get them for resale, but rather just something to add to the Colt collection. I had not seen this set before, so I was glad to get them. I did ok then, I haven't got that much in the set. I will have to refinish the display box exterior, its a bit rough. A good spring job, its too cold here in Ohio for the workshop activity now.

 

[JS22]

I just saw a set of those sell at an auction in Lancaster on Sunday. The lid for the case was missing on those, or at least I didn't see it. They sold for over 400 if l recall correctly.

 

[Triton]

JS22, thanks, we are almost neighbors, lol, sounds like the $400-$500 range is about right.

 

[Rio]

In the UK possession of these is worth about 5 years as a guest of Her Majesty! :bang_wall:

Rio

 

[rhmc24]

I gave my pair to my Son, cased in what looked like a book with a Colt title on it. My Dad had a gun shop '50s-'70s and sold several. The gun is a copy of Colt's No. 3 derringer of the 1870s in .41 caliber. The difference is the No. 3 was an actual firearm made to be used. The .22 short version of the 1960s is more of a toy made of pot metal with an attractive finish. I've heard those with gold plate was so thin that minimal handling & cleaning would take it off. My Colt book-like case was of some kind of card board and started coming apart with a bit of normal handling.

The .22s in a good case, nicely presented, make it a desirable collectible.

 

[Tranter45]

Just for interest, a pair described as mint was listed in the last Melbourne auction - only set I have seen here. I bid to $800 - they went for $1200.

 

[Rio]

There is a pair in the upcoming Heritage Auction on Dec 8th. Check it out at www.ha.com The item number is 32482 and the estimate is $250-$350.

Rio

 

[Jim Martin]

This is one of those stories about "I wish I'd kept them"-back when these derringers 1st came out they were very reasonably priced & were being given away as prizes in fast draw contests as 2nd or 3rd place along w/a trophy,I probably won a couple dozen over a period of several yrs. & then I'd give them to friends & relatives for their b-days or @ Christmas & never kept one for myself,too soon old,too late smart.