Possible Philadelphia derringer
About 8 inches long, weighing 16 to 17 oz, with what looks like walnut stock. Engraved on metal parts. Two cracks in wood stock on one side. Barrel opening is estimated to be 0.45 in. with seven sides and seven apparently straight grooves. Designed for percussion firing. Hammer pulls back to two positions. The first position locks in place with no firing possible. the next position allows for a trigger pull. The hammer side of the pistol is engraved "DERINGER PHILA". The letter "A" is stamped on the side of the metal piece where the percussion cap would go.
The gun was given to me by my brother-in-law. He is not sure where it came from, but possibly goes back to his Grandfather who had a turn-of-the-century recycling business. He has been told that it is a reproduction by a person who wished to purchase it for about $200. I don't think it is a reproduction.
Other
Yes
Dear Eugene,
Thank you for your help and patience
The presented object appears to be a Philapelphie Derringer with a percussion lock with a length of About 8 inches long. The lockplate and barrel are marked "Deringer Phila" and carved with decor. The stock was made out of nut wood probably walnut wood. There are many reproductions made after this successful and prominent model of a small pistol. In this case, the corrosion of the metal parts, the surface of the wooden stock, and the engravings appear to be authentic and mirror an ordering process.
This piece is in medium condition and there is a crack in the stock visible in the images provided.
A fair market estimation would be between 400 to 800 USD.
This estimate is based on actual recent past recorded auction sales of comparable items. Retail "asking prices" can be higher and may vary.
With kind regards,
Georg
Here are more pictures, probably the best I can do to show engraving. I did forget to mention that the ramrod is missing, but maybe you saw that in the pictures already. How do I send additional pictures -- email? Where?