Decorated Philadelphia Deringer, USA 1852

Description of the Product

This original Philadephia Deringer was a muzzle-loaded, one-shot, pocket-sized, and easy-to-hide emergency weapon of the Wild West. Henry Deringer designed the original in 1852, hence the name of the gun. For some reason, however, his name twisted into the form Derringer, which became the common name for any small pistol that could fit into a pocket or a palm, so that even today modern small pistols are commonly and often referred to as Derringers.

This small pistol was initially popular with army officers, but eventually it became a well-known and common weapon with the civilian population. Philadelphia Deringer was often the last port of safety for professional gamblers, as allegations of fowl play were dealt at poker tables. In the Wild West, the Philadelphia Derringer was often hidden in a vest pocket, sleeve, or boot, and because the weapon was slow to reload, single-shot, inaccurate, and unreliable, typically two Derringers were always carried. The Philadelphia Deringers were even often sold in packs of two. However, we decided to sell one replica at a time, so if you want to keep things completely historical, just add two pieces to the cart.

Because the Philadelphia Deringer was so easily hidden, the gun became infamous as a weapon for assassins. Indeed, this pistol is best known today as the weapon with which John Wilkes Booth assassinated the American President Abraham Lincoln during a theatrical performance in Washington in 1865.

If you want to stage a more realistic situation, for example on a theater stage, you can use normal plastic detonator caps familiar from detonator guns. When the trigger is pulled, the striker strikes the cap and you get a small bang and a puff of smoke.

• This gun is an exact replica of the original. The replica matches the original in size, but may be slightly lighter in weight. The mechanisms of the weapon are working. The weapon can be cocked and dry fired like a real one. Due to the materials used, the mechanisms cannot withstand continuous cocking and firing for long periods.
• Imitation hardwood and cast metal has been used to make this replica weapon. Zamac differs from steel in many respects, so the structure of the gun does not withstand pressure, it cannot be used to fire bullets, nor can it be converted to a functional weapon by any means.
• Replica guns such as this do not require permits in Finland, nor in many other countries. However, since the gun looks real, it should not be carried in public.
• Can be used with -firing caps- to simulate a gunshot.
• A replica gun is perfect for historical re-enactment, on a theater stage, in film productions, for collectors of historical memorabilia, and as decoration.
• Length: 20 cm
• Weight: 416 g
• Manufacturer: Denix, Spain

Due to the nature of this item please read about shipping options/restrictions if ordering outside Finland.   –More information about international shipping-