Original Item: Only One Available. This is a scarce David Williamson Patent .41 Rifled Derringer, made between 1866 and 1870 by the Moore's Patent Firearms Company of Brooklyn, New York. The pistol is marked on the underside of the barrel and inside the brass barrel dovetail with serial number 7048. There also is the Williamson patent information stamped onto the right side of the barrel:-

WILLIAMSON’S PAT. OCT. 2. 1866 NEW YORK

Of special note is that the pistol came with a small adapter for the chamber that also allowed it to function as a breech loading percussion pistol, which seems to have been supplied from the factory originally. Definitely a fascinating idea to have a pistol that could function in this way with the same hammer, but most likely of limited use once cartridges became more readily available. We previously had one without the adapter, but this example still has it included!

An under the barrel lever releases the sliding barrel that slides the barrel forward to reload. These were designed so that the hammer must be in the half cock position to open the breech, and that the breech must be closed and the release button popped out for the hammer to fire. A great safety feature, but unfortunately prone to breaking, as this example has, so the barrel can be moved forward even at the fully cocked position.

Condition of the pistol is very good considering the age, but definitely does look to have seen a good amount of use during its service life. The nickel plating on the barrel is eroded, particularly around the address marking, and the brass components also show a good amount of wear. In spire of this, the "Arrow" engraving on the top is in great shape. We checked the bore, and we can still see clear rifling, but there is also past fouling and oxidation, now removed. The stock is in good shape, showing a repaired crack through the wrist, and there is another crack and missing chunk on the front right near the barrel release.

A very rare combination pistol, one said to have been carried by Wild Bill Hickock. Unusual and extremely rare, even in this service used condition. Ready to display!

Specifications:

Years of Manufacture: 1866-1870
Caliber: .41cal
Ammunition Type: Rimfire Cartridge / Cap and Ball (with adapter)
Barrel Length: 2 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 5 inches
Action: Sliding Breech
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.