antique & collectible firearms
antique & collectible firearms
Irvington, VA 22480 • PHONE: 804.436.4166 • EMAIL: jfrancisarms@msn.com
This is a very, very rare Southern deringer made by J. B. Gilmore in Shreveport, Louisiana. It is German silver mounted with a 2-1/4" barrel and is 38CAL. With the exception of the barrel length, it is identical to the gun on Page 72 of "SOUTHERN DERRINGERS OF THE MISSISSIPPI VALLEY." This gun is marked "DERINGER" at the breech. Gilmore worked for Deringer before coming to Louisiana, and Deringer made some guns for him. This gun was made by Gilmore and bears all his personal traits. Condition overall is very good. The only weak points are the barrel key and the hammer. I think the key should have a head on it. That's easy to take care of. The hammer arm has been broken and could have had a better repair. A good restoration gunsmith could probably make this look a lot better.
