Original U.S. Williamson Patent .41 Caliber Rimfire and Percussion Single Shot Derringer by Moore Firearms Co. Serial 7048 - Circa 1866-1870

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a scarce David Williamson Patent .41 Rifled Derringer, made between 1866 and 1870 by the Moore's Patent Firearms Company of Brooklyn, New York. The pistol is marked on the underside of the barrel and inside the brass barrel dovetail with serial number 7048. There also is the Williamson patent information stamped onto the right side of the barrel:-

WILLIAMSON’S PAT. OCT. 2. 1866 NEW YORK

Of special note is that the pistol came with a small adapter for the chamber that also allowed it to function as a breech loading percussion pistol, which seems to have been supplied from the factory originally. Definitely a fascinating idea to have a pistol that could function in this way with the same hammer, but most likely of limited use once cartridges became more readily available. We previously had one without the adapter, but this example still has it included!

An under the barrel lever releases the sliding barrel that slides the barrel forward to reload. These were designed so that the hammer must be in the half cock position to open the breech, and that the breech must be closed and the release button popped out for the hammer to fire. A great safety feature, but unfortunately prone to breaking, as this example has, so the barrel can be moved forward even at the fully cocked position.

Condition of the pistol is very good considering the age, but definitely does look to have seen a good amount of use during its service life. The nickel plating on the barrel is eroded, particularly around the address marking, and the brass components also show a good amount of wear. In spire of this, the "Arrow" engraving on the top is in great shape. We checked the bore, and we can still see clear rifling, but there is also past fouling and oxidation, now removed. The stock is in good shape, showing a repaired crack through the wrist, and there is another crack and missing chunk on the front right near the barrel release.

A very rare combination pistol, one said to have been carried by Wild Bill Hickock. Unusual and extremely rare, even in this service used condition. Ready to display!

Specifications:

Years of Manufacture: 1866-1870
Caliber: .41cal
Ammunition Type: Rimfire Cartridge / Cap and Ball (with adapter)
Barrel Length: 2 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 5 inches
Action: Sliding Breech
Feed System: Single Shot

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