These .22 caliber single-shot rimfire pistols were made from 1871 to 1890, though totaling only about 2,000 in quantity. Their debt to the Allen and Company vest pocket deringer is obvious, and in fact it is the same gun. Forehand and Wadsworth had not only married daughters of Ethan Allen, but were partners with him in “Allen & Co.” and simply continued the product line after Allen’s death in 1871.

The pistol loads a single round by pivoting the barrel to the side. The gun is small, with a spur trigger and rounded birdshead walnut grip, making it easy to conceal and draw. As with the Allen version, the barrel goes from octagon to round. The Forehand and Wadsworth maker name and address are sharp on the top of the barrel. The barrel is plated and very good with just light freckling. The frame was silvered and shows wear and scratches, but with the iron showing through mainly on the very edges. The grips are good, showing some small wear to the varnish around the grip screw.

Forehand and Wadsworth are better known for their large frame revolvers, but made a number of different vest and pocket pistols that were popular for personal defense in the big city or a frontier town.  [sr]

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