These Single Shot Deringers were manufactured from 1866 until the 1880's. This "Bulldog" is a two digit Serial Number, No. 1X making it first year, yeah first month. The biggest claim to fame for this model came in 1876, as one just like this one, was taken off the lifeless body of "Wild Bill" Hickok, in Deadwood, in 1876.

This ' Bulldog" has about 99.9% of all the original bright factory blue on the barrel, and about 99% of all the case hardening colors on the block and frame, although slightly faded in some areas. All factory applied markings are clear, present and sharp: patent dates, barrel address, serial number. The checkered grips are mint!, even the screw has all the bright blue. It is mechanically perfect in all it's functions. A .44 rim fire indeed, when most were maxed out at .41rim fire. A superb specimen for the collector.  PRICE $2,250

patent dates clear and present on the rolling block, as well as strong case colors on frame & hammer.

Hopkins & Allen manufactured a fine line of arms, both in high quality, and in being slightly less expensive than their "big name" competitors. They also manufactured under contract the most high quality machined revolver of the era, the Merwin, Hulbert revolver. They manufactured about 2,000 XL Deringers during the mid 1870's period, so they are not common. This example is as most were, unmarked! It has about 98% of all it's original nickel plating, and very nice Rosewood grips. The mechanical action is perfect, to include the extractor still functioning. The hammer cocks and locks each time, in preparation for firing, and releases correctly when the trigger is pulled.

With the exception of slight flaking on one side, a splendid example of a scarce H&A Deringer.

PRICE $800

Case Hardening Color still present on the Hammer

XL No.2-1/2 , .32 Rim Fire

MERWIN, HULBERT & Co. NEW YORK, DISTRIBUTOR MARKED

This is an exceptionally RARE revolver, in several aspects. First, it is Serial No. X ( X representing a single digit serial number under 10), and exceptionally scarce. You see, on Page 16, of the Text by Charles E. Carder, on Hopkins & Allen, the 2-1/2 is non- existent in the XL series, which was the FINEST quality series produced by the firm. The numbering went from XL 1 to XL 7, no 1/2 nomenclatures. ONLY in the Ranger Line, another trade name for spur triggers by H&A, did the 1/2 model exist! The Pearl grips are DELUXE in the fact that the grip screw is only exposed on one side, like carved pearl, the screw enters the back of one grip to tighten, and not all the way through.

Outside of the ACTUAL, Merwin, Hulbert & Co. designed revolvers, produced for them by the H&A manufacturing facility, NON Merwin designed pistols, bearing their name are an ULTIMATE scarcity!!! This XL No.2-1/2 is in 99.999% condition, having that amount of the original factory nickel plating. The Pearl grips are also 99.999% condition, and ALL factory applied markings are clear, and crisp. The cocking action, for loading, cylinder indexing, locking tight, and firing functions perfectly, each and EVERY time the hammer is cocked. A rare spur trigger pocket pistol, in superb condition, appealing to both Pocket Pistol collectors, and Merwin Collectors. PRICE $1,495

IMPORTANT......On the left hand side of the barrel, on one of the hexagonal flats, is stamped: Merwin, Hulbert & Co., New York. This is extremely rare, and highly sought after by Merwin Collectors.

FOREHAND & WADSWORTH , "OLD MODEL ARMY" .44 REVOLVER, SERIAL No.10

During 1874 the United States Ordnance Department was still actively testing revolvers, for issuance to the Army, primarily the Cavalry. In 1871 they had ordered a limited quantity of 1,000 S&W 1st Model American revolvers, the first cartridge issued side arms. By late 1873 they had tested, approved, and were ordering Colt Single Action .45's. However, the door to acceptance was not all the way closed. In December of 1874 TWO Forehand & Wadsworth .44 Army Revolvers were submitted for testing. Serial No's 10 and 11. These revolvers were RIGOROUSLY tested, and compared against the existent Colt Single Action .45. An interesting foot note of history, they tested without the Schofield, as it would not be ready until late January 1875.

There are OVER 15 pages detailing EVERY single test the revolver was submitted to, and the results! IN ADDITION**it comes with the JULY 1994 Gun Report Article, (plus original magazine) written by the U.S. Ordnance Expert, E. Scott Meadows. This article details all the tests, and list ALL the Military Personnel, detailing the test, and their detailed opinions of the Forehand & Wadsworth .44 revolver, Serial No.10. At the conclusion of the tests, they found the blued finish from Forehand & Wadsworth, superior to Colt, but found no other beneficial characteristics to add the Forehand & Wadsworth to the Military. THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT FOR THE COLLECTOR OF MARTIAL REVOLVERS, IS THE OVERWHELMING SCARCITY OF ACTUAL ORDNANCE BOARD TEST REVOLVERS OF THE 1870'S TRIAL PERIOD! This is an once in a lifetime opportunity to own a revolver that was a part of the U S Ordnance Trials during the 1870's, when they were still considering "what could be the very best revolver" for use by the Cavalry, and the rest of the Army. Despite the harsh testing ,the operating mechanics of this revolver function correctly, each and every time the revolver is cocked. There is still some blue finish in the protected areas , but it is basically a "plum "patina finish. The walnut grips show handling, but have no cracks or damage. All markings on the F&W are clearly visible. All parts are original to the revolver. It has the 7-1/2 inch barrel, and is chambered for the .44 American cartridge. A REAL piece of History, that few can own! PRICE $11,500 SOLD

The TEST , PLUS found on several parts and locations.

Found in National Archives:RG156 E21 Box 338

Found in National Archives:RG156 E1365 Box 64

As F&W Serial No. 10 Appears on page 47, July 1994 Gun Report

ORIGINAL GREEN BOX...ONLY ONE KNOWN TO TO EXIST TODAY !

MORGAN & CLAPP, NEW HAVEN, CT. , SINGLE SHOT DERINGER.

Mostly all were manufactured as .30 Rim Fire, a .22 is extremely scarce, and to add to it's already great scarcity, it comes in the ORIGINAL factory carton. Serial No.30X also has a personal story, and it's written on the bottom of the box! The blued barrel has darkened into a dark patina, and the frame has the perfect "mustard" patina, untouched. There are still traces of the once silver plating remaining on the frame. The side swing loading and closing, and then the cocking and firing ALL function 100% correctly. It has the 3 inch octagonal barrel, and smooth Rosewood grips. The manufacturers roll die is still crisp and legible on top of the barrel. AN EXTREMELY scarce Derringer for the collector!  PRICE $ 950

Francis Hood was one of the wealthiest men in America, during the last half of the 1800's following the Civil War. One of the operations of his vast empire, was Hood Firearms Company, located in New York. They produced a variety of inexpensive Pocket Pistols, with a variety of Trade Names. The quality was very good, and they were very competitive in the market place of great demand. The Hard Pan 2, is one of them, and this Hard Pan 2 is Serial No. 887X. It has the 2-3/4 inch round barrel, and walnut grips. The finish is about 98% original nickel plating, and is decorated with an unusual " Star Burst " style of engraving. It is further decorated with three knurled rings around the cylinder. The hammer and trigger have their darkened case colors, and ALL mechanical functions operate perfectly! A unique pocket pistol. PRICE $450

During the last half of the 19th century, the market for inexpensive Pocket Pistols was huge! Most all the major manufacturers had entries, and MANY other firms ranging from small to large had entries in the market. Part of the secret of success was a " intriguing name", a "flashy look", and a good working mans price. This little Pocket Pistol had all of that, with the Name Red Jacket, and Ivory Grips. Serial No. 169XX has a 2-1/4 inch octagonal barrel, full nickel finish, and is chambered for the .32 rim fire cartridge. About 98% of the original factory nickel finish remains, with some minor pepper spots.  The Ivory grips are wonderful, having that mellow yellow color of age, and NO damage. All factory applied markings on barrel and frame, are clear and very legible. The mechanical action functions perfectly, loading through firing. A very "flashy" example of a 19th century Pocket Pistol. PRICE $400