Henry Deringer manufactured his iconic single shot pocket pistols in the early 1850s when Deringer was in his mid-60s. He had been an active gunsmith since the early 1800s and continued to produce firearms well into the 1870s. Despite the demand, Deringer only produced a limited number of pistols and original Deringer pistols, let alone sets, in any condition are scarce. This outstanding pair of pistols are of the best known style manufactured from 1850-1870 with pineapple style trigger guard finials, and birds head stocks. They come in a hardwood case with an unmarked silver plaque. The fabric lined interior is perfectly fitted to the pistols and includes an Eley Bros. cap tin (with the key inside), Federal eagle themed brown vanished powder flask, bullet mold (marked "00"), and small powder measure. The pistols are both in the smaller range of Henry Deringer's pistols with this gun larger than gun B. Aside from the size both have near identical features including the engraving patterns. The length of the barrel from muzzle to the front of the breech plug on this example is just 2 3/16 inches. The barrel has a dovetailed German silver front sight and Deringer's distinctive faux Damascus finish with copper streaking. The breech plug has silver banding, "DERINGER/PHILADELA" on top, and the sunburst "P" marking on the upper left. The barrel, breech plug, wedge, and trigger guard are all stamped "3". It has a bird's head walnut stock with checkering on the butt, German silver furniture including the tear drop butt cap. A notch sight is part of the upper tang.

Excellent. The pistol retains nearly all of the brown finish and copper streaking on the barrel. The streaking is partially gray and partially bright copper. The lock and breech have dark case colors. The German silver furniture has an aged patina and there is some verdigris under the bolster. The stock is very fine with sharp checkering, some slight nicks, and otherwise only slight handling marks. The action remains excellent, and the markings and engraving patterns are crisp. The case is very good with some light scratches on the exterior and faded color and some minor tears on the interior. The accessories are very good.

This minuscule pocket pistol has short barrel that is only about 1 3/8 inches long from the muzzle to the front of the breech plug. The overall length of the gun is less than 5 inches. Despite this tiny size, the pistol still displays the common Henry Deringer features including "DERINGER/PHILADA" on the lock and breech, the sunburst "P" on the left side of the breech which is also silver banded, bird's head walnut stock with checkering, and engraved German silver furniture including an initial shield on the upper wrist. The barrel is fitted with a dovetailed German silver blade front sight and has the classic faux Damascus finish commonly seen on Henry Deringer's pistols. A notch rear sight is fitted on the upper tang. The trigger guard has the late style pineapple finial. "0"s are stamped on the lower left flat of the barrel and breech, the wedge, and trigger guard.

Excellent. The barrel retains 98% plus of the plum brown finish with grayed copper streaking. The German silver furniture has a lightly aged patina, and the lock and breech retain dark case colors. The stock is very good with sharp checkering and some minor nicks. The action is excellent, and the markings are crisp. The upper tang has is split in two pieces (only visible when the barrel is removed). This is a great example of the iconic Deringer pistols and is one of the smallest Deringer pistols in existence.