First appearing in the directory in 1850, James E. Evans remained in the gun business until 1872, and was also listed as a "tackle" dealer in 1865. German silver blade front and notch rear sights, with scroll engraving present on the tang and plug, and "J. E. EVANS PHILADA" on top of the barrel, which has an attractive "false Damascus" finish, emulating the signature Deringer pattern. Matching scrollwork is present on the side of the hammer, lock, accent plate, reverse plate, and trigger guard, with the top of the hammer checkered and bordered, zig-zag border engraving on the buttplate, straight borders on the initial shield, and an ornately decorated finial, which also serves as the escutcheon for the barrel retainer screw on the underside. Fancy varnished walnut grip, with Schnabel tip forend and a bird's head butt.

Fine, retains 60% plus of the original brown finish with strong "Damascus" patterns, strong traces of the vibrant case colors in sheltered areas, and mostly bright German silver. The wood is also fine with some scattered light handling marks, a small spot of old filler on the left, and retaining most of the varnish. Mechanically excellent.