A .41 (RIMFIRE) COLT No.1 DERRINGER VEST PISTOL, serial no. 846, probably first year of manufacture, 1870, with ovoid iron rotate-to-load 2 1/2in. barrel (cleaned of finish), the flat sighting plane signed 'COLT'S PT FA. MFG. CO. HARTFORD CT USA' and 'No.1'. applied crescent fore-sight, scroll engraved flourish at breech, silver plated iron frame with semi-exposed hammer (traces of colour) and blued chequered spur trigger, the sides of frame with further scroll engraving and small chequered oval panels to the integral grip-piece. Sold as an exempt item under Section 58 (2) of the 1968 Firearms Act, to be held as a curiosity or ornament

Composed of several subsidiaries, the Drouot Group is a major player in the art market. Hôtel Drouot, located in the heart of Paris, has been the world's largest public auction center since 1852. 15 salerooms are available to more than 70 auction houses. The emulation generated by an annual offer of 230,000 artworks from 21 major specialities - from Antiquity to street art - attracts some 3,000 visitors every day. The Group's digital platform, Drouot.com, offers digital sales - Live auctions (live broadcasting and participation in auctions), Online-only auctions (dematerialised auctions) and Buy Now sales (sales of lots at fixed prices). Nearly 2 million items are offered annually by 600 auction houses. Auction news is reported every week in La Gazette Drouot, the leading weekly magazine for the art market and culture published by Auctionspress.