Make: Henry Deringer

Model: U.S. Model 1842 Navy

Serial Number: None.

Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1845-1847

Caliber: .54

Action Type: Single Shot Percussion Pistol

Barrel Length: 6"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a small brass post fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a "V"-notch integral to the barrel tang (as seen on other observed rifled examples).

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is one-piece smooth walnut with a slot for the captured ramrod, brass barrel band, brass guard, and inlaid circular brass grip cap. The rod is a little loose in its slot, it will fall forward about halfway when the pistol is pointed down. The grip broke through behind the trigger and has been repaired. There is a crack across the lock mounting screw hole. There are some light nicks and scratches with a couple of more notable dings in the nose forward of the band. Overall, the grip is in about Very Good condition as refinished and repaired Antique.

Type of Finish: Browned & Bright

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is dark. The seven-groove rifling is generally well defined. There is erosion and pitting scattered through the bore. Overall, the bore rates 3+/10.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 0% of its metal finish. There may be a little browned finish remaining on the barrel, not easily distinguished from the fairly uniform patina. There is infrequent surface erosion. There are many scattered nicks and scratches with a few more notable dings. The tool flats of the nipple show tool-wear. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from tool marked to disfigured with usable slots. The markings are worn, but legible. Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good condition as Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: Henry Deringer is best known for his "Philadelphia Deringer", but he actually got his start with military contracts for muskets and pistols. In the early days of his firm, commercial guns were a much smaller part of his business. Among the contracts he secured was production of the Model 1842 Navy pistol, designed by Nathan P. Ames. After Ames had tooled up for production, he was underbid by Henry Deringer for an 1845 contract. Pragmatically, after losing the bid to Deringer, Ames simply sold him the tooling for the pistol's production as he no longer had use for it.

The M1842 was important as the first American martial percussion pistol to be produced for the government. It uses a boxlock design that was quite uncommon for pistols of the time, rather than the more common side-mounted hammer. Of even greater interest are the Deringer examples produced with rifled bores, the first rifled handguns produced for the U.S. Military. It is believed that fewer than 200 of these rifled pistols were produced in total.

This example shows its age, having a repaired stock but surprisingly strong mechanics. Given its historical significance to U.S. martial arms, the Henry Deringer story, and its quite limited production, this will make a wonderful piece to add to even advanced collections. Please see our photos and good luck!