Gun #5 in
my series of posting guns in my collection.
This tiny thing is a National Arms Company No. 1 Deringer. It is also called the "All Metal No. 1 or First Model Deringer." The same design was made by Moore's Patent Firearms Co..
According to Flayderman's National made these from 1865-1870 (Moore's made theirs from 1860-1865).
"The Moore is of importance to the collector as it was the first of the large caliber metallic cartridge deringer pistols."
National Arms Co. was purchased by Colt 1870. Marketed by Colt as late as about 1885. General Custer owned #2443.
This one was manufactured about 1864. It has a 2" barrel which Flayderman describes as "slightly scarcer...will bring small premium".
I'd love to know the significance of the stamp on the breech.
The ruler shows how diminuative these were!
These took .41 caliber rimfire cartridges.
My father's notes read "NRA Very Fine. Mechanically sound; markings and engravings sharp; much original finish; 30% silver plate." I think that's about right.
Comments?
(Oh, now that I've learned how to take great macro photos I'll be going back to the previous 4 guns I posted and post new pics...someday <g>).