This attractive pair is pictured on the cover of "All About Southerners" by Lionel Bogut and on page 86 within. Despite their name, these distinctive pocket pistols were manufactured in the heart of Yankeedom in Newburyport, Massachusetts, first by the Merrimack Arms & Mfg. Co. c.1866-1869 and then their successor the Brown Manufacturing Co. c.1869-1873. The name was clearly meant as an advertising ploy. Those manufactured under the Brown name were produced in both brass (7,000) and iron framed (3,000) variations. Southern derringers by either maker are very hard to find with significant finish and especially hard to find with special finish options such as the fine scroll and geometric engraving, gold washed barrels, silver plating, and pearl grips shown on this pair. Matching pairs like this with these features are even harder to find, and this is easily the finest pair we have seen. Most of these guns were plain working guns that were convenient to carry in a pocket and hide-away. Though small cartridge derringers are permanently linked to Old West gamblers thanks to Hollywood, they were also carried by women throughout the country and city dwelling gentlemen. The engraving on the two guns is nearly identical with the exception of the lack of engraving on the butt of gun "A" and some very minor variations in the scrolls which can be expected on hand engraved guns. They have the standard "SOUTHERNER" and Brown Mfg. Co. markings on the barrels, pearl grips, and matching serial numbers. They are displayed in a French fitted case with a Remington-UMC box for .41 Short R.F. ammunition (empty).

Very fine with 75% of the silver plating and thin gold wash remaining over the aged silver plating on the barrel (strongest on the upper flat) and darker aged patina on the silver plated frame. The extractor is absent. The grips are also very fine and have minor lower edge wear and attractive natural luminescence. Mechanically fine.

Very fine with 70% plus original silver plating, thin original gold wash visible on the barrel, aged patina on the silver, and mild overall wear. The grips are also very fine and have beautiful luminescence tones and minor handling wear. Mechanically fine. The case is fine and has mild storage wear including varnish crazing on the lid. This is a beautiful matching pair of distinctive Southerner derringers that are only fifteen numbers apart in serial numbers! This is easily the finest pair of Southerners we have ever seen and almost certainly the finest extant.