From 1959 until 1963, First Series Fourth Models had an “N” serial number suffix, with 112,000 guns made. A Second Series, with a “D” suffix, was made from 1970 to 1973, with 25,000 produced. Unlike the silver-plated bronze frames of the Third Model, the Fourth Model featured nickel- or gold-plated Zamak (zinc alloy) cast frames with barrels plated to match. Some barrels were given a black oxide “Du-Lite” finish that was occasionally subject to flaking. Stocks were walnut or “plasticized” pearl or ivory.
Single guns were $22.50, or $39.50 per pair, and came with a brochure and warranty card in a cardboard box stamped “Box Made In Sweden Expressly for Colt’s Small Arms Division.” Two and four gun consecutively numbered sets were also offered, often in jewelry–style cases, and included Lord and Lady Deringer combinations. The Colt-stamped Fourth Model leather holster is a rarely-seen accessory.
Mint condition Fourth Models typically fetch $100 to $125, and substantially less if they’ve been shot. A mint Lord Deringer two-gun cased set recently sold on www.gunsamerica.com for $475. The consecutively numbered Deringer set pictured, packaged in a desirable Colt “Limited Edition 1836-1960” book case, would normally bring $450 to $500. However, both guns having been shot, they are now worth $300 to $350. One hopes the owner got at least $150 worth of enjoyment from shooting what Colt’s 1960 ad called, “… an addition to your collection and a handgun that means business.”
