This is a very pretty and elaborately decorated fraudulent peanut Derringer made by one of Henry Deringer’s more successful imitators, Slotter and Company of Philadelphia, who supplied these pistols in various sizes to at least two San Francisco retailers. That the company’s products were close copies should not be surprising- the company had been formed by former employees of Henry Deringer, who also decided to welcome a tailor named Deringer into the company in order to use his name.

This bears the number “2” on the grip strap indicating it was one of a pair and is fitted with a nicely executed floral engraved hammer, bolster, barrel wedge escutcheons, side plate, and shield-shaped wrist escutcheon, and with a checkered wood grip with pointed butt having a tear-drop butt cap with zig-zag border engraving. The triggerguard is delicately engraved with floral motifs as well, and the triggerguard tang is in the shape of a neo-classical pineapple with cursory engraving. The barrel is fitted with a notched rear sight, and with an engraved tang. Both barrel and side screw are notched in a starburst pattern. The barrel is fitted with a small brass front sight and is stamped “WART” (Warranted) over “STEEL” on the right just forward of the bolster. The top breech is stamped, “DERINGER / PHILADELA” as is the lockplate at rear, all of which are typical of Slotter and Company products.

Henry Deringer was not flattered by the imitation, impressed by the subterfuge of hiring a Deringer for the sake of his name or misled by the occasional application of the name of “J.P. Lower” to the pistols as maker, and sued for damages. See Flayderman’s entry for examples of this maker’s work, including this smallest size.

This would make a great addition to a Deringer display or collection of early pocket pistols.  [sr] [ph:M]

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