AmericanLongRifles Forums
General discussion => Antique Gun Collecting => Topic started by: Rschlosserii on August 24, 2025, 08:07:32 PM
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Hello and new to the forum. I was given this pistol many years ago and cannot find any information about it on the web. It’s not short like the typical Deringer. It’s just over 12 inches long and marked on top “DERINGER PHIL”
Any assistance identifying or giving background on this is appreciated.
(https://i.ibb.co/B59y5N5W/IMG-0576.jpg) (https://ibb.co/dwRPwgwC)
(https://i.ibb.co/KcZxFSJS/IMG-0577.jpg) (https://ibb.co/XfBxSMqM)
(https://i.ibb.co/hRcj4V1w/IMG-0578.jpg) (https://ibb.co/3yvqjcYQ)
(https://i.ibb.co/PvtybRHS/IMG-0582.jpg) (https://ibb.co/0RQLWkbw)
(https://i.ibb.co/zH5530kd/IMG-0579.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Hp22ckJZ)
(https://i.ibb.co/cXMnS1vM/IMG-0581.jpg) (https://ibb.co/3YGZ97sG)
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Ask Abe Lincoln He might know.
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Definitely a Deringer pistol. In addition to pocket pistols, Deringer made trade guns and rifles and just about whatever would sell. I’m guessing this as 1840s or possibly later.
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Rich - thanks much for the quick reply? Suggestions on where I can find out more information on this? I know the gun is rough but at some point I'll want to find out approximate value
Rick
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Ask Abe Lincoln He might know.
Nope, Lincoln assassinated with a typical small Deringer pistol
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Well, it’s in damaged condition. The hammer is broken off and they are difficult to replace without it being obvious. It has no documented association with a famous historical person. It’s not particularly rare or made to the highest standards of the time. I’m no expert on these but my guess is it might be worth $400 if tenderly and expertly cleaned and restored. You’ll do just as well to go in one of the popular gun auction sites where individuals have tens of thousands of guns of all sorts for sale. Search for Deringer percussion pistol and see what pops up. Keep in mind many guns at these auction sites are listed at optimistic prices.
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Damaged guns are much harder to sell than complete guns, since extent of damage always varies and there is no price guide for damaged guns. I would suggest getting a full percussion hammer back on the gun. You have the base of the original hammer as a good starting place, or guide, for the restorer to work with, and as said by Rich, there are many examples out there on web sites to model the missing portion from. You may also get lucky if you post your needs, and someone may have a similar original hammer in his drawer of junk parts. If not, a close replica can usually be reworked, i.e., filed closer to what your hammer originally looked like, engraved like it, and colored like it.
Your surface is finely pitted, but most restorers can "reasonably" duplicate the roughened surface and color. Yes, it will be noticeable, and it may require the entire lock to be recolored to match with the new hammer better, but the pistol will be MUCH easier to sell if/when complete with a restored hammer. If you decide to go in this direction, you can always start by posting it over on the Contemporary Gun Collecting side for ideas on best way to do it and who might be available to do the work. You won't get rich on this pistol, but you shouldn't lose money, and perhaps you will enjoy keeping it as a family heirloom once it looks better.
Shelby Gallien
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Shelby
Thanks so much for the input and information. Definitely interested in restoration. Was told it was found on our property in the 1980s and we can trace ownership of our acreage back to early 1800s.
If you know anyone reputable for restoration I’d be interested
Thanks
Rick
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Here is what you will be looking for in a hammer; https://www.gunsinternational.com/guns-for-sale-online/pistols/derringer-antique/engraved-silver-mounted-antique-deringer-percussion-pistol-killed-lincoln-henry-deringer-s-famous-pocket-pistol-german-silver.cfm?gun_id=103228223
Also, the value is a lot more than 400, but not as much as the small size guns.
PS, There are a lot more Derringers for sale on that page, so take a look.
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I'd fix or replace the hammer and that's it. The rest of the gun looks fine
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I just had a restoration done by IMHO the best in the business. If you want the best contact Jack Brooks in Colorado.
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I just had a restoration done by IMHO the best in the business. If you want the best contact Jack Brooks in Colorado.
I'd say take that suggestion!
John
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When you have a high value or historically important firearm, I agree that using one of the best restorers is the right way to go. But when you have an item of moderate value, such as your Deringer pistol, often a superior restoration adds no more value than just a good restoration by one of the good restorers out there, who are not as backlogged in their work and usually charge a lower hourly rate.
Keep in mind who your final buyer will be. When selling a common, somewhat worn firearm with some restoration, the buyer will probably not be a high-end collector who looks at every little detail and wants only the best. Rather, it will be a newer or mid-range collector who wants an example of the gun you have, but perhaps not the resources to buy a fine or perfect one... and more importantly, probably won't know the difference between a very high-quality restoration, and just a good restoration. In your case, with your pistol, you may want to go a more moderate path in restoration.
Shelby Gallien