One of approximately 9,000 manufactured from 1870 to 1890, the vast majority made with iron frames. This example however was manufactured with a Colt reworked brass frame which was originally made by The National Arms Company. When Colt purchased The National Arms Company is 1870, they brought over Edwin Steven, an employee of the former company, who continued assembling derringers from parts already produced by the acquired company. The exact number of these brass frame derringers assembled is unknown, but they are incredibly scarce. In an included document the consignor notes that he was aware of only five brass framed No. 2 derringers, four of which were in his collection. Adding to its rarity, this specific derringer is factory engraved as well as inscribed. It has the standard two-line address and "No2" model marking on the top barrel flat flanked by Maltese crosses. There are flourishes of factory floral scroll engraving on the sides of the frame and the back strap. The matching serial number is marked on the butt and on the bottom of the barrel. The back strap on this example is inscribed "HEZ McKINNEY". Included documentation lists a Hezekiah McKinney as a railroad conductor employed by the Hartford Railroad and the N.Y., N.H. & Hartford Railroad. It is fitted with blade and hammer notch sights, and a pair of checkered walnut grips that have the matching serial number in ink inside both panels. Provenance: The George S. Lewis Jr. Collection

Fine, the barrel showing a mixture of grey and brown patina while the frame retains 40% of the original silver finish with the balance brass, both showing an attractively aged patina. The grips are very fine with a few scattered light handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. A very scarce Colt derringer variation that will not be found in many of even the most extensive collections!