1848 Colt Derringer? - The Firearms Forum

rctyoung · 01-01-2011, 08:18 AM

Greetings folks...

I've received this piece from my father, who knew little about it. I've been unable to expand on what he knew (or thought he knew). I hope someone here can provide some additional information. I went to the Colt site but they want a model name as well as serial number and I don't even know that.

The gun is about 5.5 inches long. It's a .22 caliber, 7 shot revolver and Dad was told it was made in 1848. The serial number, which appears in three places, is 2669. It appears on the bottom of the handle, the bottom of the barrel under the pin that holds the cylinder and around the back of the cylinder. On the cylinder, there's an "H" along with the numbers. On the top of the barrel, it says "COLTS.PT.F.A.MFG.CO" over "HARTFORD.CT.U.S.A" with stylized crosses, like fat + signs on either side of the text.

Cosmetically, it's pretty beaten up but the action appears to work properly. I haven't tried to fire it as I'm chicken and don't know if modern ammo would be appropriate.

Any information concerning model name, age, value, etc., or a place to find same, would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Bob

TheGunClinger · 01-01-2011, 09:53 AM

Looks like a Colt New Line 22 Revolver first model. They were produced from 1873-77. Value according to Flayderman's Guide to Antique American Firearms 9th Ed. is VG $200 Exc $550. (Page 106)

BillM · 01-01-2011, 11:15 AM

Deleted--double post.

BillM · 01-01-2011, 11:23 AM

NOT 1848. The 22 short cartridge didn't come out until the late 1850's,
and S&W had a lock on the bored through cylinder concept until early 1869.
Also, it's not a derringer. Pocket pistol would come closer to describing it.

DO NOT shoot it with modern 22 ammunition. If you just have to make it
go bang, try some Aguila 22 Colibri.

It is a Colt New Line 1st model, as The GunClinger stated above. SN puts year of manufacture at 1873, so it's an early one!

rctyoung · 01-01-2011, 12:56 PM

Damn, you guys are good. And fast. That's way more than I found in hours of web-searching and just what I wanted to know. And I won't be making it go bang. I suspect the barrel isn't clean enough even with the proper ammunition. Thanks for the info.

TheGunClinger · 01-01-2011, 01:07 PM

When I picked up my book it opened to the exact page that your gun was on.

That was really weird! Usually it takes me hours and by the time I find what I am looking for four or five guys already answered.

Jackman · 01-01-2011, 01:35 PM

Deleted

Jim K · 01-01-2011, 07:19 PM

The frame would originally have been nickel plated, but the plating was very thin and often wore off or was removed when it began to wear or peel in places. You might find some traces under the grips.

Jim

01-01-2011, 08:18 AM	#1
rctyoung Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 2	1848 Colt Derringer? Greetings folks... I've received this piece from my father, who knew little about it. I've been unable to expand on what he knew (or thought he knew). I hope someone here can provide some additional information. I went to the Colt site but they want a model name as well as serial number and I don't even know that. The gun is about 5.5 inches long. It's a .22 caliber, 7 shot revolver and Dad was told it was made in 1848. The serial number, which appears in three places, is 2669. It appears on the bottom of the handle, the bottom of the barrel under the pin that holds the cylinder and around the back of the cylinder. On the cylinder, there's an "H" along with the numbers. On the top of the barrel, it says "COLTS.PT.F.A.MFG.CO" over "HARTFORD.CT.U.S.A" with stylized crosses, like fat + signs on either side of the text. Cosmetically, it's pretty beaten up but the action appears to work properly. I haven't tried to fire it as I'm chicken and don't know if modern ammo would be appropriate. Any information concerning model name, age, value, etc., or a place to find same, would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Bob Attached Images -->

01-01-2011, 09:53 AM	#2
TheGunClinger Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: SW Florida Contributor Posts: 2,399	Re: 1848 Colt Derringer? Looks like a Colt New Line 22 Revolver first model. They were produced from 1873-77. Value according to Flayderman's Guide to Antique American Firearms 9th Ed. is VG $200 Exc $550. (Page 106) __________________ New England Patriots Rule Next year.

01-01-2011, 11:15 AM	#3
BillM V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Amity Orygun Posts: 389	Re: 1848 Colt Derringer? Deleted--double post. Last edited by BillM; 01-08-2011 at 08:20 AM..

01-01-2011, 11:23 AM	#4
BillM V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Amity Orygun Posts: 389	Re: 1848 Colt Derringer? NOT 1848. The 22 short cartridge didn't come out until the late 1850's, and S&W had a lock on the bored through cylinder concept until early 1869. Also, it's not a derringer. Pocket pistol would come closer to describing it. DO NOT shoot it with modern 22 ammunition. If you just have to make it go bang, try some Aguila 22 Colibri. It is a Colt New Line 1st model, as The GunClinger stated above. SN puts year of manufacture at 1873, so it's an early one!

01-01-2011, 12:56 PM	#5
rctyoung Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 2	Damn, you guys are good. And fast. That's way more than I found in hours of web-searching and just what I wanted to know. And I won't be making it go bang. I suspect the barrel isn't clean enough even with the proper ammunition. Thanks for the info. Last edited by rctyoung; 01-01-2011 at 01:00 PM..

01-01-2011, 01:07 PM	#6
TheGunClinger Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: SW Florida Contributor Posts: 2,399	Re: 1848 Colt Derringer? When I picked up my book it opened to the exact page that your gun was on. That was really weird! Usually it takes me hours and by the time I find what I am looking for four or five guys already answered. __________________ New England Patriots Rule Next year.

01-01-2011, 01:35 PM	#7
Jackman V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 446	Re: 1848 Colt Derringer? Deleted Last edited by Jackman; 01-01-2011 at 01:37 PM..

01-01-2011, 07:19 PM	#8
Jim K Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 6,408	Re: 1848 Colt Derringer? The frame would originally have been nickel plated, but the plating was very thin and often wore off or was removed when it began to wear or peel in places. You might find some traces under the grips. Jim