National Arms Co. Derringer .41 Rimfire

SOLD FOR: $2,225
Make: National Arms Co. / New York
Model: No. 2
Serial Number: 5719
Year of Manufacture: 1865-1870
Caliber: .41 Rimfire
Action Type: Single Action, Single Shot Side Loading
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “ National Arms Co. Brooklyn. N.Y. The bottom of the barrel is marked “5719”. The left grip frame under the grip panel is marked “BC 19”. The inside of both grips is stamped “BC 19”.
Barrel Length: 2 ½”
Sights / Optics: This derringer is mounted with a blade front sight and a notch in the hammer rear sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered walnut retaining much original finish. The checkering is a bit smooth with compression marks on the widest edges. The fit is superb. There are no chips or cracks. The grips rate in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Silver Plated Brass
Finish Originality: All Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp and deep. There is scattered mild pitting present.
Overall Condition: This derringer retains about 85% of its metal finish, which now shows tarnish making it appear almost blue. There is wear which has exposed the brass on both sides of the spur trigger and on the left side of the frame below the hammer. The barrel shows scattered light dings and some thinning mostly on the bottom of the barrel. There are minor nicks on the top sharp edges of the barrel. There are two areas of wear that have not penetrated the finish on the right side of the barrel, and there is similar wear at the muzzle. The engraving is sharp and deep. The Screw heads are sharp showing just minor use. The markings are clear. Overall, this derringer rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this derringer.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: The original derringer was made by Moore from 1860-1865, then was succeeded by National Arms from 1865-1870 and itself was succeeded by Colt in 1870. From Wikipedia: “The .41 Rimfire Cartridge was first introduced by the National Arms Company in 1863 and was also known as the .41 Short and the .41-100. In most designations like this, the second number refers to the black powder load, though in this case, it is impossible to fit 100 grains (6.5 g) of black powder into the case, by any means. According to “Cartridges of the World,” the .41 Rimfire consisted of a 130 grain (8.4 g) lead bullet propelled by 13 grains (0.8 g) of black powder in its original load. The round produced a muzzle velocity of 425 feet per second (130 m/s) and a muzzle energy of 52 foot-pounds force. A National Arms .41 Rimfire derringer was recovered from the battlefield of the Battle of Little Bighorn. Estate records reveal that it belonged to Brevet Major General George Armstrong Custer”. This derringer is spectacular and one of the best we have ever seen. Please see pages 497 and 498 of “Flaydernmans 9th Edition”, for more details.

National Arms Co. Derringer .41 Rimfire
National Arms Co. Derringer .41 Rimfire