This is one of 1,200 Model 1842 Navy Percussion Pistols manufactured by Henry Deringer of Philadelphia circa 1842-1847. The Model 1842 Navy percussion pistols were the first percussion pistols manufactured and delivered under government contract and the first U.S. government handgun with a rifled barrel. This is an example of a Standard model 1842 Deringer pistol with deeply rifled, seven-groove barrel. Experts believe that Deringer manufactured fewer than 200 Standard Model 1842 Navy pistols. The lock plate is stamped "U.S./DERINGER/PHILADELa" below the hammer. Brass post front sight on the barrel and an integral fixed rear sight on the tang. Browned barrel, bright finished swivel ramrod, hammer and lock plate, brass barrel band, trigger guard and round buttcap with a varnished walnut stock.

Fine. The pistol retains 40% of the thin original brown finish on the barrel and bolster. The ramrod/swivel, hammer, lock plate and tang have a smooth, gray-brown patina. There is some scattered flash-pitting on the barrel and adjacent portions of the nipple bolster. The brass barrel band, trigger guard and buttcap have not been polished and have a mellow age patina. The varnished walnut stock is excellent with only light handling wear. The lock markings are crisp. The rifling is deep and sharp. The action is tight and functions well. This is a fine example of a scarce Rifled Barrel Deringer, Model 1842 Percussion Navy Pistol.