I am stumped

[Dr.Rob]

No idea what this is. Single shot 22 cal derringer, brass and steel Only one marking. No evidence of stamping, engraving. Can't tell if there is a screw or pin missing as it functions. Bore is dark but not pitted until the muzzle. ONLY marking is a number 1 on the brass frame.

 

[Dr.Rob]

The shape suggests it's civil war era but beyond that.. no idea. I can't see threads in that hole. Rifling is still strong. Font sight might be 'german silver'.

 

[Edarnold]

Curious about the use of a coil spring in the frame recess under the barrel latch. Especially in a small size like that, not a common feature in mid- 19th century guns. I'm just wondering if this might be a Dixie Arms kit gun that has seen some neglect over the years? Otherwise, the lack of any proof marks argue against it being European manufacture, and a US maker would put some kind of name on it.

 

[303tom]

I believe that is a H.C. Lombard and Company, Single Shot Derringer...............

 

[artpotts]

Cowan's aucction shows pictures of one they sold in 2008. Shows a screw going in that hole. Perhaps retainer for hammer/trigger pivot?

 

[Dr.Rob]

Wow there are 3 different mfg's it COULD be. But the 1 serial number is what gives me pause. It's definitely old, not a reproduction. It LOOKs like the screw is broken off, the threaded end is still there.

 

[Ron James]

It looks , walks and quacks like a H.C. Lombard and Co. Derringer. No markings on barrel? may have worn off since 1860. The number 1 may not be a serial number, could be just a inspectors mark, or some other mark known only to God and the workers at the factory.

 

[Jim K]

Flayderman shows a Lombard as 8A-072; it appears identical to that gun. There is a screw, which I suspect is the hammer screw. Some of those old guns have hammers that extend fairly far forward, but you should be able to tell where the hammer pivot is. Not a super valuable gun, but interesting. FWIW, it may well be number 1. The frame shows signs of hand finishing and the absence of a barrel marking would be common on prototypes.

Jim

 

[deadin]

My guess would be that the hammer screw has had the head snapped off.
You can see the other end on the right side pictures. There probably is enough of it left in there for the hammer to pivot on. Might be quite a challenge to replace......

 

[Jim K]

Any competent gunsmith should be able to drill out that screw and find or make a replacement. A common task.

Jim

 

[BigG]

That looks a lot like a Colt derringer. But the Colt's were marked. A knockoff?

 

[Mp7]

..

That looks a lot like derringers made in basement shops
in europe during civil war era.

I personally have seen a gun like that, completely made
in a basement 20yrs ago. With drill, file and pliers.

Never saw a horizontal opening again till now.