Original Pair of Flintlock Deringers Matched .36 Cal. Single Shot Derringers, Antique
SOLD FOR:$1,531
LSB#: 141110CP03 & 141110CP04
Make: Unknown
Model: Single Shot Flintlock Derringer, Pocket Pistol, Muff Pistol
Serial Number: None
Year of Manufacture: Unknown, Antique
Caliber: .36 Caliber Patched Ball
Action Type: Black Powder, Muzzle Loading Flintlock
Markings: Both pistols are engraved on the barrel, lock plate, side plate and trigger guard. Both stocks are marked “2061”.
Barrel Length: 3” Round
Sights / Optics: There are no provisions for sights on either pistol.
Stock Configuration & Condition: CP03: The stock appears to be hand carved and shows multiple shallow compression marks. A crack is visible on the right side in front of the lock plate and judging by the glue which is present on the upper edge of the lock plate, it appears that a section of the stock has broken completely apart and then been glued back in place. The tolerances in the channels into which the metal fittings are set are not precise and the edges are not sharply cut. A chip is missing from the left side of the stock above the side plate. Finish has been applied over the chips in the edges of the channels. The stock rates in about Fair overall condition as repaired. CP04: Multiple marks are visible in this hand carved stock. The edges of the channel in which the lock plate fits are chipped and the fit to the side plate is rough. There is a crack in the right side of the forend. The finish is thickly applied and may indicate that this pistol (as well as its mate) have been refinished. The stock rates in Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue with Gold Leaf
Finish Originality: Very little original finish remains.
Bore Condition: CP03: The bore is rough and the rifling is dull. There is erosion throughout the bore. CP04: The bore is rough and the rifling is dull. There is erosion and oxidation throughout the bore.
Overall Condition: CP03: This handgun retains about 15% of its metal finish. Patches of finish are still present, which have developed a dark patina. About 30% of the gold leaf is visible in the engraving. Pinprick erosion and spots of surface erosion are present on the metal surfaces. The side plate is broken at the forward screw. There are no marks on the frizzen and no scorch marks in the flash pan, indicating that the pistol may not have been fired. The screw heads are serviceable. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fair condition.
CP04: This handgun retains about 5% of its metal finish. Pinprick erosion and areas of solid surface erosion are present. Traces of the gold leaf are visible in the engraving. The screw hole in the front of the side plate is broken. Wear and scorch marks are visible on the frizzen. Scorch marks are visible on the flash pan and erosion is dense on the top of the lock plate and around the touch hole, indicating that this gun has been fired. The screw heads are serviceable. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fair condition.
Mechanics: Pistol CP03 may not have been fired. There is no evidence of ignition, or marks on the frizzen. Pistol C04 has been fired. Wear and scorch marks are present on the frizzen and scorch marks are visible in the flash pan with dense erosion apparent around the touch hole. The hammers on both pistols lock solidly into both half cock and full cock. However, both pistols will fire from the half-cock position. We did not fire these handguns.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: These are either old pistols, or they have been antiqued with great skill. The guns seem to have been engraved and were adorned with gold leaf, but the fit and the finish of the stocks is a bit clunky. If these were high end engraved functional pistols, we would expect the stocks to have been created with equally high quality workmanship. Both stocks are marked “2061”, indicating that they were either created as pair, or possibly mass produced and bought separately. Both stocks exhibit similar marks from use; however CP03 seems unfired, while CP04 has certainly been fired. Though both locks function properly, both of these pistols will fire from half-cock, making them too dangerous to carry loaded. Even in the 1800s, some people certainly would have found the aesthetics of flintlock firearms pleasing, therefore functioning decorative models must have been obtainable. We are convinced that these are old pistols, but it is impossible to date them definitively. This is a very good looking pair of flintlock derringers, pocket or muff pistols, which will make fantastic conversation pieces
