Help ID this little guy

[Bud Helms]

Here are some pics I took of an old single shot cartridge loader that belongs to an acquaintance of mine. I haven't a clue what it is, but I can just imagine it stuck in a Mississippi Gambler's vest pocket.

Any one know what this is?

 

[Bud Helms]

More pics ...

This next one is disappointing because it shows some important detail and I must have jumped a half inch when the shot came. If it will help ID the piece I can reshoot it.

It occurs to me that I did not look at the breechface to see if it was a centerfire or rimfire. Nor did I make any attempt to estimate the muzzle diameter. I will check those details unless someone is positive of an ID. I may try a pic of the breechface and reshoot the fuzzy one above while I'm at it.

 

[Mike Irwin]

I THINK it's a National Arms No. 1 or No. 2 derringer.

They generally are worth a pretty penny.

http://images.google.com/imgres?img...ox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&sa=N&um=1

 

[Bud Helms]

That looks like it, Mike.

Man, that was quick!

 

[RJay]

And as a matter of trivia, Colt purchased National and the little derringer became Colts " Third Model Derringer ".

 

[Chipperman]

I dunno, Mike. Nine minutes for the answer. I think you're slipping.

Can you get another pick with the action open? Looks pretty cool!

 

[Harley Nolden]

National Arms Co. Brooklyn New York 1865 1870

Former Moores Patent Firearms Co.

.41 r.f. caliber, single shot deringer

Mike Ewrin is correct

 

[Mike Irwin]

Who's Mike Ewrin?

 

[Harley Nolden]

ooooooooooooopps!

Hit the wrong key. My apology Mike Irwin


Hr Harley

 

[Bud Helms]

Can you get another pick with the action open? Looks pretty cool!

Yeah, I'll try to get a good clear one of the action open and of the beech face. I'll stick a ruler up on the muzzle too.

 

[James K]

Actually, the National (Moore) Second Model derringer became the Colt Second Model; the Colt Third Model (Thuer) is a side turn type. That is a National, as the Colt frame was a little different as were the grips. The caliber is .41 Short rimfire.

I make a value WAG at around $1000 in that condition. Colts, needless to say, go for more.

Jim

 

[cek]

FWIW, here's it's cousin, an All Metal No. 1 or First Model Deringer:

http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=379182