Flintlock derringer

[wikinger]

Bought this derringer from a returning soldier after WWII. He said he got it from a castle in Italy. Was in a closet sized room with guns from chest height, up to a very high ceiling. Grabbed it and stuck it in his tunic. Immediately heard a German MP40 (aka Schmeisser)go off down the hall. Went to help his comrads chase some Germans out of the castle. Thought afterward, there was a pair and he got only one. Never got back to the castle to check out the room again.
Has silver inlay on the back of the grip. It is a little dusty as it is hanging in a frame with my Harpers Ferry flint pistol.

 

[Roy]

Its a cutie! whats the length of the lock plate, or barrel?

 

[wikinger]

Lock is 2½", barrel is 3". Not sure when it was made.

 

[musketman]

Lock is 2½", barrel is 3". Not sure when it was made.

I would say it's pre-WWII... :grin:

Was it loaded? (many old original guns were left loaded)

 

[wikinger]

Was not loaded. Seems to be about .46 caliber. Would love to shoot it, but I'm not sure how strong the steel is. Would hate to destroy this gun just to satisfy my urge to shoot it.
On 4th of July I shoot my original US Springfield .69 cal smoothbore flintlock musket. The only time during the year I shoot it.

 

[musketman]

Load it with a reduced blank load, some FFg powder and a lubed cotton ball as batting...

I would lube the cotton ball just to keep from sending a flaming wad down range and catching the chicken coup on fire... :haha:

Have you tried to see if the flint still sparks the frizzen yet?

 

[musketman]

On 4th of July I shoot my original US Springfield .69 cal smoothbore flintlock musket. The only time during the year I shoot it.

The derringer was found in Italy by a US soldier, so perhaps you may consider shooting it on April 25, Liberation Day... :hmm: :grin:

Holidays: Italy: Public Holidays:

1 January: New Year's Day
6 January: Epiphany
25 April: Liberation Day
1 May: May Day
15 August: Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
1 November: All Saints Day
8 December: Immaculate Conception
25 December: Christmas Day
26 December: Boxing Day

 

[WRussell]

Take a peek down the barrel to see if it's corroded. Like MusketMan says, many were left loaded, and if left loaded in damp conditions the breech can be heavily corroded.

The more corrosion, the lighter the load.

I'd say by all means shoot it. Bring it back to life. Not recommending rapid fire contests, just like you say once a year or so to keep it a living thing instead of a dead lump.

How about more photos? Any markings? Any sign the barrel is twist steel?

 

[TANSTAAFL]

Neat, cute as a bug's ear. Don't think I could resist touching off at least a squib load.

 

[shmrck1]

wikinger,
I'm with the rest....I would just have
to fire that puppy off. I would clean it up to
the very best I could, especially the flash hole.
Maybe just fire off just a couple pans just to
make sure you have ignition. Clean flash hole again. Download to 20 no more than 25 grns 3fff,
topped with MM lubed cotton ball and let it rip.
Let us know what you have decided
to do and how it turned out.
As a side note have you ever had the
derringer valued by a reputeable dealer??
snake-eyes :thumbsup:

 

[WRussell]

And do let us know how well that teeny lock sparks.

 

[wikinger]

More pics. Haven't had anyone look at it to try and see what it's worth. The only mark I can find is on the tang-(last picture). Need to look at my flints to see if I have one small enough to use with this derringer. Will try the cotton ball and FFF test and report back here with the results.

 

[robinghewitt]

It's adorable :hatsoff:

But what the heck is it?

The straight stock and thin steel suggest earlier than it is. No banana on the lock plate, bridled, French pillar guard and a pineapple. The French weren't overly keen on pineapples.

Although they first grew pineapples in the UK in the 17th they didn't catch on as gun finials until gentlemen started competing growing exotics for the table in hot houses. Nock used acorns but his apprentices used pineapples.

I don't know about pineapples elsewhere, but if it were English I'd probably guess 1780's, but I'd also expect steel furniture because it's not military, proof marks and a maker's name.

Wonder if there's a proof mark under the barrel :hmm:

 

[WRussell]

Great pics. That really is a sweetie. Have you peeked at the breech yet?

If you care about market value, don't clean it any more than necessary to get it to work.

 

[wikinger]

Found a small flint in my used flint box. Used a sharp edged hammer to make it smaller so it would fit the derringer. Dropped the hammer twice- no sparks. Was disappointed. Later, I remembered that the flints were in my 'used' box because they were worn and not sparking. Knapped the flint edge. First try- sparks! Put some 4F BP in the pan and pulled the trigger- Flash! Happy, happy. How many years has it been since there was a 'flash in the pan' with this weapon?
Now for the cotton ball test. I want to video it first and then post a link here. Will probably do that this week. My 45ACP bore brush seems to fit.
Will see if ther are any markings on back of the lock or under the barrel, but want to take my time as I'm not sure of the thread's condition. Will post what I find out.
I'm glad you guys,esp. Musketman, gave me a push to try to bring some life back into this pistol

 

[musketman]

I'm glad you guys,esp. Musketman, gave me a push to try to bring some life back into this pistol

Now don't go burning down your house with a flaming cotton ball, but have fun, looking forward to your report...

 

[wikinger]

Took the derringer apart. Cleaned light rust from under barrel and inside lock with nylon brush dremel tool. Couldn't see any identifying marks on either.