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  • Auction Catalog #89
  • Lot #207
Lot #206
Lot #208

Lot 207: Remington Zig-Zag Derringer

Exceptional Documented Very Scarce Remington Zig-Zag Derringer with Only Known Factory Box as Pictured in The Deringer in America

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: August 25, 2023

Lot 207: Remington Zig-Zag Derringer

Exceptional Documented Very Scarce Remington Zig-Zag Derringer with Only Known Factory Box as Pictured in The Deringer in America

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: August 25, 2023

Estimated Price: $8,500 - $14,000
Price Realized:
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Exceptional Documented Very Scarce Remington Zig-Zag Derringer with Only Known Factory Box as Pictured in The Deringer in America

Manufacturer: Remington Arms Inc
Model: Zig Zag
Type: Pistol
Gauge: 22 RF
Barrel: 3 3/16 inch cluster
Finish: blue
Grip: hard rubber
Stock:
Item Views: 3124
Item Interest: Very Active
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 178
Class: Antique
Description:

Less than 1,000 of these small pocket pistols were manufactured in 1861-1862. These were the first Remington firearms designed to fire metallic cartridges. Advertisements listed them as "Elliott's Pocket Revolvers." Many have been lost or destroyed leaving few to fill their places in advanced Remington collections. The condition of this example certainly makes it a highly sought after piece. The included factory pasteboard box propels this pistol into a catalog of its own that no serious Remington collector can ignore. The Zig-Zag derringer worked by a double action system that was engaged by a ring trigger. Each pull of the trigger automatically rotated the six-shot barrel cluster. Loading was done through the frame at the breech. The design was patented by one of Remington's most prolific inventors, William Elliot. It is believed Elliot initially attempted to sell the pistol independently from Remington, the company who manufactured the pistol; which may explain advertisements headlined under the name "Elliott's Pocket Revolvers." One of these rare advertisements is included. The frame is stamped with the three-line Elliott's patent dates marking on the left side and the three-line Remington address on the right side. The pistol wears a set of hard rubber grips. As noted, the pistol comes with the correct factory two piece pasteboard box. The interior of the lid has the "directions for loading and cleaning" paper label. The pistol and box are pictured and identified in L.D. Eberhart and R.L. Wilson's "The Deringer in America (Volume Two)" on page 150. The box is cited in the caption as the "only pasteboard box for Zig-Zag model known to the authors." The extremely rarity of the box is again called out on page 147: "Only one pasteboard box is presently known to collectors." This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to acquire a unicorn in Remington collecting! The pistol, pasteboard box, and advertisement were featured on the cover of The Remington Collector's Journal, 1st Quarter 2015. The aforementioned advertisement is pictured on page 148 of "The Deringer in America." Provenance: The Herb Glass Jr. Collection; The Greg Lampe Collection

Rating Definition:

Fine, retaining 50% plus original blue finish in and around the sheltered areas with a pleasing smooth brown patina on the balance. There is a slight chip at the toe of the left panel, otherwise the grips are very fine with limited handling marks. Mechanically excellent. The pasteboard box is fine as the only known surviving example of its kind with a repairable separated lid corner. This documented Remington Zig-Zag derringer with the only known surviving factory original pasteboard box is worthy of the finest collection. Don't let this once in a lifetime opportunity slip away!



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