2041

NATIONAL FIREARMS CO. PROTOTYPE DERINGER.

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,250.00 USD Estimated At:2,500.00 - 3,500.00 USD
NATIONAL FIREARMS CO. PROTOTYPE DERINGER.
SN C763. Cal. 52 Short RF. Unmarked except for the SN stamped on the frame under the grips. This experimental piece was finished in the white. It has an oversized bbl and much stronger locking latch because it was made for it. Note the loading port to help accommodate the oversized cartridge. Both gun and cartridge are unique and were never put into production. The cartridge is .52 cal. RF short designed especially for this gun. This piece turned up at Harry Mann's Shooting Gallery on Main Street in Old Downtown Las Vegas, circa 1938. It was accompanied by the shell shown here, which is the only one known in .52 Short RF. That shell accompanies the gun. The fact that it is stamped on the frame, with the SN C763 indicated that a shop mechanic took a standard frame off the production line. then perhaps tried to create a more powerful Second model. There are no other examples and no patent papers, etc..., probably means that ownership-management did not think it was a good idea or cost effective. No one knows for sure. PROVENANCE: Harry Mann Collection, L.D. Eberhart Collection. CONDITION: Gun is a bench model and as such is finished in the white. 4-47408 DE30