Lot 129

National Arms Co. No. 2 Derringer Pre-Colt c. 1865

Estimate: $750 - $1,450

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$50 $10
$100 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$25,000 $2,500
$100,000 $5,000
This is an unusual and scarcely seen National Arms Co. Brooklyn, N.Y. Number 2 Derringer chambered in .41 rim fire caliber dating to circa 1865. This is likely a first year of production, or there-abouts, example with very low three-digit serial number of 701 from the end of the U.S. Civil War. The National Arms Company was one of only a few companies to offer derringers from 1865 and on in metallic cartridges, offering this firearm in .41 rimfire and a .32 Teat-fire cartridge. In 1870, the National Arms Company was acquired by Colt Manufacturing Company in an effort for Colt to break into the metallic cartridge gun market. Colt then produced the Colt Derringer in .41 rimfire in the same pattern as the National Arms example, but with a steel frame instead of the National Arms brass example, such as what is in this lot. The firearm likely had silver plating over the solid brass frame and blue coloring on the barrel with standard factory scroll engraving and smooth solid walnut grip scales. Early pre-Colt acquisition examples with three-digit serial numbers, such as this, are very scarce. The pistol utilizes a spur trigger and low-profile hammer. The derringer has good remnants of factory scroll engraving, a notched rear hammer sight, a German silver front blade sight, and breach loading swivel out or swing out barrel. The silver plating has since worn and the brass has a nice mellowing from honest age and use. The barrel shows a grey coloring with darker blue remnants and the grips appear to be in good condition. The screw on the side of the frame is present with some marring and the grips are held into place with a screw having a clean head. The swivel out barrel shows a replacement screw, which allows for some barrel play and sliding. The hammer pulls back and holds, the trigger releases the barrel in a functioning manner, and, when held horizontally, the swing out breach load appears to function. When held vertically, the replacement screw allows sliding. The pistol is marked under the barrel with “701” and the top single line barrel marking of “National Arms Co. Brooklyn. N.Y.” is worn away and illegible. This is a very uncommon firearm that displays well and has a unique history. This firearm qualifies as an Antique and does not require FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check.
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