Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very interesting example of one of many single shot pocket pistols, usually referred to as "Derringers", after the legendary pocket pistols made in Philadelphia before the civil war. This name stuck even after the switch from percussion to rimfire cartridges, and many companies began making these pistols, in a large number of different styles. Some were "tip up" designs, some had sliding breeches, and some, such as this example, used a "swivel breech", where pushing a button on the bottom of the frame allows the barrel to swivel to the side for reloading.

This example has a lovely brass frame and nickel plated barrel, and while it is marked with serial number 1468 on the bottom of the grip, there are no maker markings anywhere that we can see on the pistol. It is a rather simple design, and does not have any provision for cartridge extraction as many later designs did, so we assume it was made circa 1870. The number 2032 is on the bottom of the barrel, but we do not know if this is an assembly number, or whether the barrel was swapped out. Hopefully the design is specific to a certain maker, which would allow this lovely pistol to be identified.

The action opens and closes correctly when the button on the bottom of the frame is pressed, and the hammer must be in the half or full cock position for it to open. Unfortunately, the trigger spring is missing or broken, so the trigger must be pulled forward for the hammer to engage in the full or half cock positions. The bore of the barrel still shows clear rifling, but it is definitely worn and oxidized overall from use. The pistol has very nice grips, which look to possibly be rosewood. The right grip scale is however missing a long chunk along the back of the handle.

A lovely concealable pocket pistol from the late 19th century that looks to have seen a good amount of use. Ready to research and display!

Specifications:

Years of Manufacture: circa 1870
Caliber: .28cal
Ammunition Type: Rimfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 3 3/4 inches
Overall Length: 6 3/4 inches
Action: Pivoting Barrel
Feed System: Single Shot

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.