Only a few hundred breech loading pistols were manufactured by the Perry Patent Firearms Co., Newark, New Jersey, circa 1854 to 1856 based on designs by Alonzo D. Perry who previously worked as a blacksmith in New York in the 1840s and also held other unrelated patents. The company was formed in 1853 and failed around 1855 despite succeeding in getting a contract from the government for 200 carbines that year. Most of Perry's rifles, carbines, cane guns, and pistols feature a tubular magazine fed through the butt that held percussion caps allowing for faster reloading in coordination with the lever action breech loading mechanism. This example is non-standard, possibly one-of-a-kind, and has features of both the first and second variations such as the first type grips, first type lever, the second type guide screw ahead of the pivot screw on the right, and the second type cap magazine in the grip. It also differs by having a smaller caliber part-octagon/part-round barrel that flares at the muzzle, a forend, front frame contours similar to the carbines, dovetailed German silver blade front and fine notch rear sights, and a latch for the lever. The other example in this auction has some similar attributes but is also distinct. The top of the breechblock is marked "PERRY PATENT ARM CO/NEWARK N.J." and "A.D PERRY/PATENTED," and "1" is on the bottom of the barrel and receiver ring. It also has scroll and border engraving and varnished walnut grips and forend.

Very good with distinct engraving, legible markings, gray and brown patina, a few patches of mild pitting, chipped and repaired right grip toe, mild marks and scratches, and strong oiled finish on the wood. Mechanically fine. This is certainly a very interesting, extremely rare example of one of the earlier and scarcer American breech loading designs.