American Firearms

Henry Deringer of Philadelphia from late 1830’s until about 1868 became the name associated with Pocket Pistols, primarily Single Shot Models of smaller concealable size. Deringer was diversified and made larger models also, in fact one with an 11 inch overall length. However, it is the smaller version that made his fame. The smallest model being fondly referred to as the ‘Peanut”. It had a barrel length of 1-1/2 inches, overall only 5 inches.  That is what is being offered here! Besides being the smallest, it is the LEAST  production and most scarce t find. A distinct characteristic to date these Deringers is the finial. The finial is the German/Silver decorative piece directly in front of the trigger guard. They have a very popular design of the era, a PINEAPPLE. Of course with other decorative motifs around the Pineapple.  On this Peanut Deringer it is dated to 1848-1850, as illustrated in the Deringer Book and 9th edition of Flayderman.  This is a very fine, I repeat very fine example ! It has all the original silver inlays and furniture, Wedge and ALL other ORIGINAL parts. The Lock and Hammer are ornately engraved , and still very clean and visible. The name Deringer and Phila are present, as well as on top of the between the silver bands. In addition the sunburst and Letter P on the left top.  the original front sight has the slight engraved edges, which was deluxe. Mechanically it operates 100% correctly/ cocks and releases to fire. The wood is in near perfect condition, both in color and antique luster. It would be very hard to find another ALL original Peanut Deringer in this condition. Deringer was so popular many, many imitators copied him. This is the real deal and suitable for any collection.

The XL Army .44 cf & rf, the XL Navy in .38 RF, and the XL Police Model .38RF are considered the finest quality models that Hopkins & Allen manufactured. Yet, all three were manufactured in incredibly small numbers, guesstimated at a few hundred ! This XL Navy, Serial No. 11X is 100% correct. It has the six inch barrel, six shot, in .38 rim fire, finished in blue. This was unusual as mort were finished in nickel plating. Currently it has about 90%+ of the original blue, only now beginning to turn a plum color. ALL factory applied markings are present, all parts are original, and it is 100% mechanically correct in all phases. It was made from the mid 1870’s to the very early 1880’s, probably in a quantity of LESS than 150, as all three models accounted for only about 400. It even has its original two loop holster which fits perfectly. Although never purchased by the Government, they sometimes are referred to as secondary martial’s.

Hopkins & Allen was a major entity in the manufacture of firearms in the 19th century. They specialized in smaller frame revolvers, however did produce in limited quantity large frame frontier revolvers, under the XL line. Remember, they were the manufacturing arm of the Merwin, Hulbert & Co. revolvers, known for high quality and precise engineering. In the early 1880’s they introduced a line of Double Action revolvers, under the XL line. Previous to that the names Ranger and Blue Jacket were synonymous with H&A. Let there be no question, H&A made superior quality revolvers, from large to small. This example is a .38 caliber, Double Action revolver, Serial No. 10X, an XL BULLDOG. It has the three inch barrel, and is finished in factory nickel plating. Speaking of finish, it has 99.999% of the original factory nickel, and all the case color on the UNIQUE folding spur hammer. The working action on BOTH single and double action function 100% correctly, NO issues! The checkered hard rubber grips are also in 99.999% original condition. If all of this isn’t enough, it comes in it’s ORIGINAL factory carton. The carton does show wear, but most important ALL the graphics remain clear and distinct. The end label also matches the revolver, finish and features. This production would date to about 1884, and it has been well cared for !
Do not think this H&A type didn’t see service on the wilder frontiers, many existing photo’s show bad hombres carrying the large frame frontier revolvers, with one of these tucked away in a waist band ! A fine addition for any collector of 19th century arms.