This is a small brass-framed deringer in caliber .41 Rimfire built by Brown Mfg Co of New Buryport, Mass. The top of the barrel is marked "Southerner". Merrimack Arms and subsequentally Brown Mfg. built 16,500 units from 1867 to 1873. This one is in the 7300 range with all matching numbers on the frame, barrel, and grips. Overall condition is NRA Antique Good+ to VG- with the brass frame aged nicely to a even caramel patina. Like most Southerner deringers, it shows wear but its a little better than avg for these. The barrel is mostly a light grey patina with traces of original blued finish in protected areas. The tiny Brown Mfg. address and 1867 patent date on the left side of the barrel is intact and legible. Barrel has a few dings and light marks. Good screws. Bore is good with strong rifling along with a few pits. Grips are good and solid with no cracks and have 3 small notches carved in bottom of left grip. A decent example of an early cartridge deringer.
Item# 0598
SOLD |