Henry Deringer's pocket pistols were so popular that his name is now the nickname for pocket pistols in general with an extra "r." They were also so popular that they were widely copied in the period. A Deringer pistol was infamously used by John Wilkes Booth in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. This stunning cased set is featured in "Henry Deringer's Pocket Pistols" by Parsons on p. 17 where they are noted as from the Russel S. Gladstien Collection and in "The Deringer in America. Vol 1" by Eberhart on p. 39 where they are described as from the Hal du Pont collection. They date to c. 1855 and feature dual gold bands on the breech plugs, sterling silver side plates, escutcheons, and trigger guards; German silver forend caps and pommel caps, small compartments in the latter, scroll engraving, the classic "faux Damascus" finish on the barrel which have seven-groove rifling and dovetailed blade front sights, "DERINGER/PHILADELA" and "(P)" markings on the breech plugs, fixed notch rear sights on the tangs, "DERINGER/PHILADELA" on the back action locks, and varnished walnut stocks with checkered bird's head wrists. The pair is cased in a leather-bound case with a turnscrew, nipple wrench, fluted powder flask, "60" marked ball mold, brass loading rod with covered worm, a measure, some balls and patches, and a key.

Excellent. The barrel retains 98% of the original brown finish and even retains traces of original copper in the "Damascus" patterns which are otherwise faded to smooth gray. The lock and breech are smooth gray. The gold bands are bright. The silver and German silver have attractive aged patina. The engraving and markings remain crisp. The stock is very fine aside from a very faint hairline crack in the wrist and displays crisp checkering and glossy varnish. Mechanically excellent. The case and accessories are very fine and have minor wear considering their age.

See "A." Provenance: The Russell S. Gladstien Collection; The S. Hallock "Hal" du Pont Jr. Collection; The Bobby Smith Collection; The Greg Lampe Collection

Excellent. The barrel retains 90% of the original brown finish and strong traces of original copper finish in the "Damascus" patterns which are otherwise faded to smooth gray. The lock and breech have a smooth French gray patina. The gold bands are bright. The silver and German silver have attractive aged patina. The engraving and markings remain crisp. The stock is very fine and has crisp checkering, attractive figure, a few dings, and glossy varnish. Mechanically excellent. This is truly one of the finest pairs of Henry Deringer pistols extant! As a cased set with gold bands and silver furniture, they are just about impossible to beat.