Help to ID Derringer type pistol, possibly a Slotter!!

Came across an old small percussion pistol/derringer and am having trouble identifying it's maker. It has no stampings or marks denoting a model or maker, but based on my very limited knowledge about these type pistols & the scarce info available it looks a lot like some of the Slotter & Co. backaction derringers with the round flat top barrels. From front of breech to muzzle is 4.25" & it appears to be a 36 cal, based on my attempt to measure it with calipers. All the brass hardware, the breech tang & the lock plate are beautifully & skillfully engraved and the grip is checkered. This was a high quality, beautifully made firearm in it's day so I am puzzled by the lack of a makers mark. In the "note" section of the book page it mentions there are other variations of Slotter pistols & there was little variation in markings, but could this be a Slotter made for others to market? Any help or references will be greatly appreciated.

Old Hawkeye said:

Came across an old small percussion pistol/derringer and am having trouble identifying it's maker. It has no stampings or marks denoting a model or maker, but based on my very limited knowledge about these type pistols & the scarce info available it looks a lot like some of the Slotter & Co. backaction derringers with the round flat top barrels. From front of breech to muzzle is 4.25" & it appears to be a 36 cal, based on my attempt to measure it with calipers. All the brass hardware, the breech tang & the lock plate are beautifully & skillfully engraved and the grip is checkered. This was a high quality, beautifully made firearm in it's day so I am puzzled by the lack of a makers mark. In the "note" section of the book page it mentions there are other variations of Slotter pistols & there was little variation in markings, but could this be a Slotter made for others to market? Any help or references will be greatly appreciated.
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Nice workmanship but without any maker markings who knows ??
Have you pulled inspected bottom of the barrel for any markings ?

That's a very nice pistol. In my UNprofessional opinion, however, I don't think it's a Slotter. I went through my Wilson and Eberhart book that has 11 pages of Slotter photos. One pistol has a grip cap very similar to yours. Two pistols are shown with metal forecaps like yours. On the negative side, no guns have a solid under barrel rib, none show a circular thumbpiece or plain oval barrel wedge plates. Almost all have more pointed birds head grips rather than rounded and there are no left sideplate designs like yours. Keep in mind, I'm no expert, and this could be a one of a kind special gun made to order for someone, so it could be super rare and valuable.

@Relic shooter, I think I found it. The side plate, grip shape, rounded butt, forecap and oval barrel key plates look like a John Wurfflein derringer as shown on pp.92 and 93. I hope you have the brass tipped wooden ramrod. Good luck!

The Miner '49er said:

That's a very nice pistol. In my UNprofessional opinion, however, I don't think it's a Slotter. I went through my Wilson and Eberhart book that has 11 pages of Slotter photos. One pistol has a grip cap very similar to yours. Two pistols are shown with metal forecaps like yours. On the negative side, no guns have a solid under barrel rib, none show a circular thumbpiece or plain oval barrel wedge plates. Almost all have more pointed birds head grips rather than rounded and there are no left sideplate designs like yours. Keep in mind, I'm no expert, and this could be a one of a kind special gun made to order for someone, so it could be super rare and valuable.

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Thanks!!! Every bit of info can help.

Relic shooter said:

Nice workmanship but without any maker markings who knows ??
Have you pulled inspected bottom of the barrel for any markings ?

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What looks like a 3X over an illegible letter under the barrel wedge lug, then a PV. On the bottom of the breech is a O with a star on top. On the side of the barrel is an E over the letters I & G inside an egg shape inscribe line.

The Miner '49er said:

@Relic shooter, I think I found it. The side plate, grip shape, rounded butt, forecap and oval barrel key plates look like a John Wurfflein derringer as shown on pp.92 and 93. I hope you have the brass tipped wooden ramrod. Good luck!

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I'll see if I can't look that up. This place is amazing! Treasure trove of knowledge!!

ELG is a Belgian proof mark. Doesn't necessarily mean the gun is a Belgian maker, as the English are known to import Belgian barrels as they were less expensive than domestic made.

The star over the "O" is an 1877 and later inspectors mark. May give an idea on dating the gun.

Old Hawkeye said:

Thanks!!! Every bit of info can help.

What looks like a 3X over an illegible letter under the barrel wedge lug, then a PV. On the bottom of the breech is a O with a star on top. On the side of the barrel is an E over the letters I & G inside an egg shape inscribe line.
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It does have a Belgian proof mark but that doesn't mean the pistol was made there.
Relic shooter