Mid/Late 19th Century U.S. Single Shot Derringer By J. M. Marlin Known As The 'Victor'
With an octagonal to round barrel chambered for the powerful 0.38" long rimfire cartridge.
Stamped "Victor" along the top flat of the barrel and "J M Marlin New Haven C.T. Pat April.5.1870" on the right of the barrel.
With the hammer at half position and the small button under the barrel depressed, the barrel swings sideways for loading.
There is an arm that extends when the barrel is swung out that acts as an ejector rod, but this is quite loose and doesn't retract properly when the barrel is closed (needs a little helping hand).
The spring for the button release is also weak so that when the barrel is closed some pressure needs to be applied before the buttons "clicks" locked (please see the video).
Originally the brass frame would have been nickel plated and the barrel, hammer and spur trigger would have been blued. The plating has now gone, leaving a pleasant uncleaned brass finish and the steelwork is a dark gun metal grey.
The rosewood bird beak grip is of rosewood and this has been varnished with a darker finish which has started to come away.
Despite its worn appearance the action is crisp in both half and full positions.
Only about 4000 of these were ever made between 1870 and 1881 with some sources quoting far fewer so it is quite a scarce piece. This might sound strange as the serial number is 13504, but this is because Marlin continued the serial numbers across his ranges of Derringers.
Barrel length 6.5cm, Overall length 13cm.
This antique pistol is considered obsolete and non functioning, and is sold as a collectable ornamental item. This product is available for purchase in the UK without a license
