This Philadelphia Deringer pistol is very similar to the one used by John Wilkes Booth in the assassination of President Lincoln and was produced in the shop of famed American gunmaker Henry Deringer circa 1850-1870. Its short barrel is only about 1 1/2 inches long from the muzzle to the front of the breech plug (2 inches counting the plug). The overall length of the gun is about 5 inches. Despite this tiny size, the pistol still displays all of the iconic 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 and tear drop butt plate. 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.

Fine. The barrel retains 85% of the plum brown finish with grayed copper striping. The lock and breech have a dark patina. The German silver furniture is mostly bright with some slight aging. The revarnished stock is very good with some light scrapes and general handling wear. The action remains excellent. This is a fine example of one of America's most iconic firearms.