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Scarce Engraved Brown Southerner Derringer with Ivory Grips

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military / Hand Guns - Derringers Start Price:1,700.00 USD Estimated At:3,500.00 - 5,500.00 USD
Scarce Engraved Brown Southerner Derringer with Ivory Grips
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Scarce Engraved Brown Southerner Derringer with Ivory Grips

Manufactured from 1866 to 1873, this brass frame model is marked "SOUTHERNER" on the top barrel flat and "BROWN MF'G CO/NEWBURYPORT, MASS/PAT APR 9 1857" on the left side flat. The matching serial number is marked on the bottom of the barrel and on the butt. The sides of the frame and the back strap are engraved in a broad scroll pattern with a punch dot background. The barrel, screw heads and hammer are finished in high polished niter blue and the brass frame is silver plated. The barrel pivots sideways to load and there is an automatic extractor mounted on the underside of the barrel. Brass blade front, no rear sight, checkered hammer, smooth spur trigger and fitted with smooth ivory grips. There were two types of engraving on Southerner derringers. The first was full coverage. The second was as this example is with a lesser amount of engraving coverage. This is the rarer type as those who could afford engraved guns went for the full coverage. Very few of the second coverage are known, and none in this outstanding condition with ivory grips.

Manufacture: Brown Manufacturing Co
Model: Southerner
BBL: 2 1/2 inch octagon
Stock:
Gauge: 41 RF
Finish: blue/silver
Grips: ivory
Serial Number: 5416

Very fine. The barrel retains 50% of the bright niter blue finish mixed with a mottled speckling of smooth brown patina. Any finish loss is due to flaking and not wear. The frame retains 98% of the period silver plating with some edge wear. The silver is beginning to age slightly. The hammer retains most of the original bright fire blue finish. The grips are excellent with a very pleasant light aged patina, attractive grain pattern and only light handling marks. The markings and engraving remain crisp and clear. The action is excellent.