N. Curry & Bro. Philadelphia Deringer Percussion Pocket Pistol Antique
SOLD FOR: $710
WOA#: WY240216LB001
Make: N. Curry & Bro.
Model: Derringer
Serial#: NSN
Year of Manufacture: 1863-1886
Caliber: .42 Gauge
Action Type: Muzzleloader Percussion Pistol
Markings: The right side of the lock plate is marked “DERINGER / PHILADELA”. The top of the barrel is marked “N.CURRY & B.R. / SAN FRANCO CALA / AGENTS” and “DERINGER / PHILADELA. The left side of the shoulder is marked “P”. The breech plug, lock, and German silver furniture have primarily scroll engraving.
Barrel Length: About 2” flat top round with 7 groove rifling and faux damascus finish.
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a bead fixed top the top of the barrel. The rear sight is a v notch at the front of the upper tang.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The stock is checkered walnut with german silver side plate, plate under the locking plate, barrel edge escutcheon, bottom metal, backstrap, and wrist plate. The lockplate and hammer are steel. There are compressions and scuffs. The back left of the grip has a minor dent that has compressed some of the checkering.
Type of Finish: Brown, Case Hardened, German Silver
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is dark. There is some corrosion and erosion in the bore but no deep pitting. The rifling is visible. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 4/10 for an antique percussion pistol.
Most antique firearms have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but also to the use of black powder. When fired, black powder reacts corrosively. NRA Antique Firearm Conditions Standards are quite lenient for bores. In some cases, the NRA standards disregarded the bore’s condition for collector’s firearms.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 60%. There is some thinning and finish loss on the barrel, especially on the muzzle. The markings are clear for the most part. The screwheads remain serviceable with light tooling marks. There are some minor nick scattered about the barrel exterior and some aged patina. There is some corrosion concentrated where the wood meets the metal and around the percussion nipple. Overall, this pistol is Fine condition for antique.
Mechanics: The half-cock safety does engage nicely. The action functions correctly. We have not fired this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The N. Curry & Bro. Philadelphia Deringer Percussion Pocket Pistol is a fascinating piece of American firearms history, exemplifying the craftsmanship and innovation of the 19th century. This compact, single-shot percussion pistol was produced by N. Curry & Bro., a San Francisco-based firm that was instrumental in supplying firearms to the burgeoning population of the American West during the California Gold Rush era. The term “Deringer” denotes a specific style of pocket pistol named after Henry Deringer, a prominent gunsmith whose designs became synonymous with small, easily concealable handguns.
The Philadelphia Deringer, with its percussion cap mechanism, was a preferred choice for personal defense and concealed carry during a time when the reliability and portability of a firearm were paramount. The N. Curry & Bro. version of this pistol is particularly notable for its quality and the prestige of the maker, who was well-regarded in the mid-19th century for producing high-quality firearms. These pistols were often beautifully crafted with fine woods and metals, and sometimes featured intricate engravings, making them not only functional weapons but also works of art.
Collectors and historians value the N. Curry & Bro. Philadelphia Deringer for its historical significance, craftsmanship, and the role it played in the American frontier’s social dynamics. Its compact size and effective design made it a popular choice among civilians and law enforcement alike for self-defense, embodying the rugged individualism and resourcefulness of the era. Today, these pistols are sought after as collectibles, each piece telling its own story of the challenges and dangers of 19th-century American life, as well as the ingenuity and artistry of its creators. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.
