Deringer pistol, Philadelphia, USA - 1854-1886

Deringer Philadela Pistol
Philadelphia, United States
1854-1886
Steel, wood, brass, silver
Overall length: 11.5 cm; Barrel length: 5 cm / 2 inches
Caliber: 9.5 mm

Pan-faced, rifled barrel, marked on top "DERINGER PHILADELA" and "N. CURRY & BRs SAN FRANCO CALA AGENTS" - authorized distributor by Henry Deringer; inlaid with silver filigree and monogrammed with a "P" in a stylized sun on the left side.
Chiseled silver handlebar.
Wooden frame.
Plate in chiseled steel with scrolling foliage and marked "DERINGER PHLADELA".
Silvered brass counterplate with foliate motifs.
Pontet decorated in the same style.
Silver thumb coin in the shape of a coat of arms, with foliate motifs.
Bird's head stock, checkered.
Silver-plated brass fittings.

Curry settled in San Francisco in 1852, where he opened a gun shop on Commercial Street before moving his business to 87 Battery Street. Originally from Ireland, he had previously worked as a gunsmith in Philadelphia from 1837 to 1852. In 1858, he became the exclusive agent for Henry Deringer pistols on the West Coast. Upon his death in 1863, his brothers continued his business under the name N. Curry & Brothers.
Although primarily working as a gunsmith, Curry also manufactured some rifles and shotguns to order.
Nathaniel and John Curry thus inherited the business founded by their brother Charles. Nathaniel, the elder brother, had worked alongside Charles since 1854. In 1862, the company moved its premises to 113 Sansome Street. The business was finally sold to Charles Ladd in 1886.

Ref.: 7211

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON

This collector's item is classified as a Category D collector's item under Article L311-2 of the Internal Security Code. Its acquisition and possession are unrestricted. We remind you that its sale to minors is prohibited.