A friend from work, understanding my strange enjoyment of cleaning guns, presented me with one to clean. The little pocket Derringer looked interesting enough, then I noticed 'Smith & Wesson' on the top of the barrel.

Any way, he's curious - as am I, for any info, WAG value (no interest in selling, just curious), etc.

On the top of the barrel is inscribed:

*Smith & Wesson Springfield Mass Pat Apr 3.55 July 5.59 Dec 1860*

SN 57935

Any info you've got is much appreciated.

--jcd

By definition, a revolver is not a derringer.

What your friend has is a Model 1, second issue. They were made from 1860-1868. A factory letter would tell you exactly when it shipped.
As to value, the book lists them at $100 for poor condition, going up from there. Most I've seen sell went for somewhere between $200 and $400 unless they were immaculate. That's the range I paid for the two I've got. Mine are great mechanically, and I've shot them sparingly WITH .22 SHORT CB CAPS ONLY!!! If you shoot them with high velocity shorts, they will grenade. The original load was a very light black powder. The only modern loads to use are the ones that only use a primer and a bullet, without any powder. Hope this helps.

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Chris
SWCA #2243 SWHF #292

Although we might think that this revolver was very underpower and tiny there were a surprizing number of Union officers that used this revolver as their primary duty weapon during the war. A water proof weapon that fired every time was really desired. Smith & Wesson sold every one that they could make and had a huge waiting list.

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Gun Safety is no accident.