Mid 19th Century U.S. Single Shot Breech Loading Derringer Of Williamsons Patent Made By Moores Of New York
An interesting piece this, a Williamsons patent breech loading single shot rimfire Derringer with a converter that turns it into a percussion cap pistol.
It is in lovely condition with a brushed steel finish to the heavy round barrel which is clearly engraved with "Williamsons Pat Oct. 2. 1866 New York on the left and a large arrow along the top flat.
The trigger, hammer and barrel safety catch retain most of their bluing (less on the safety catch).
I believe that the brasswork would have been originally silvered but there is no external sign of this and it has a very pleasant rose gold colouration.
The stock is in great condition with only a few bruises and no apparent splits or cracks with just the varnish being rubbed from the high spots.
Now to the barrel sliding safety catch mechanism, the release is very tricky! You need a thumb of steel for the catch and you have to give the breech a slap too! (As shown in the video, there is a knack to it!!)
The percussion cap converter, although blackened is in really good condition, so I am unsure if this is original or a modern replacement......but it is present.
The mainspring is OK (feels a little weak) and the action is crisp in both half and full position (half position is only just off the rest position).
Reference material tells me that these were produced between 1866 and 1870 and although 20,000 were believed to be the number produced, it is thought that the true number is less than half of that!
The serial number on this one is 6091.
An interesting piece in good condition, but painfully slow to reload!
Barrel length 6.5cm, Overall length 12.5cm.
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
