Make: Remington

Model: Remington Vest Pocket “Saw Handle Derringer”

Serial Number: 183

Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1865

Caliber: .22 Short Rimfire

Action Type: Single Action, Single Shot, Breach Loading

Markings: The top of the frame and barrel are not marked, the serial number is found marked on the left of the grip frame under the grip. The inside of the grips are penciled with the matching serial number

Barrel Length: 3.25”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a rounded post fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “V” notch cut into the top of the frame.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth walnut panels. The grips have minor handling wear. There are no chips. There is a crack in the left grip panel running from the escutcheon. The grips have the serial number matching penciled inside both panels. Overall, the grips are in good condition.

Type of Finish: Nickel Frame and Blue Hammer and Trigger

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is gray with sharp rifling. There is light erosion in the bore. This bore rates 8/10 in this writer’s opinion.

Overall Condition: This derringer retains about 98% of its current metal finish. The barrel has some scuffs. The frame retains its nickel there are some scuffs there as well. The hammer and trigger are a very bright blue. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are missing from the outside of the pistol. The serial number inside the grip frame is a very strong marking. Overall, this pistol is in Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer is very stout. The trigger is crisp. We did not fire this derringer. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: Rumor has it that Mr. Remington himself requested this little gun to be produced. Mr. Remington lived near the factory and would walk home in the evening sometimes encountering coyotes. He asked his production team for something simple and unobtrusive that he could bring along with him as he voyaged from work to home and back. The Vest pocket was just what he needed to scare the coyotes away on his daily venture.

While Remington Vest Pocket Pistols have always been popular with collectors, very little solid information has been available about them. Such simple questions such as "When were they made?"..."How many were produced?"...and "What calibers were they available in?" have all remained unanswered.

Invented by William H. Elliot, this diminutive Remington featured a hammer that also served as a breech block. Also known as the "Saw Handle Derringer," these small personal defense arms were available with blued, silver, or nickeled finish. Approximately 20,000 of these single shot pistols were produced between 1865 and 1888. They are rarely seen in the wild, much less up for sale.