^Lot 84 Henry Deringer Philadelphia Pistol .40 Cal NVSN

Antique single shot percussion pistol made by Deringer in Philadelphia. Produced circa 1850's-1860's. Features 2.50" round barrel with flat top rib, octagon breech plug, fixed sights with brass front blade, integral notch sight on tang, right hand lock, walnut grip with bird's head butt, German silver fittings with floral/scroll engravings and a pineapple trigger guard finial. Bore is good condition with slight brownish tint, good rifling. Barrel is brown and gray toned. Breech plug, lock plate & hammer have floral scroll engraving. Matching engraving on the German nickeled triggerguard, show light fading from age. Edge engraved shield shaped German silver initials plate on top of wrist is blank. Wood is very good, hand checkering on grip is sharp. Breech plug and lock plate marked "DERINGER / PHILADEL'A". The barrel flat is marked "Made For A.J. Plate San Francisco". Prominent San Francisco retailer A. J. Plate. He purchased 58 pairs of Henry Deringer's famous pocket pistols as well as 164 pairs of copies of Deringer's pistols manufactured by Slotter & Co. (formed by other German immigrants who had previously worked for Deringer). This pistol could be one of the pre-1863 era Slotter & Co. pistol manufactured before Deringer sued Plate for selling unlicensed copies. Batch/assembly number "99" stamped on lower triggerguard. Markings are good, Lock operates properly, half cock position works well, smooth let-off.
NRA Condition-Very Good. Antique Firearm.