John Carlos Terry made fewer than 700 of these single-shot .22 rimfire deringers in Springfield, Mass., by Flayderman’s estimate. He dates them “c.1860s,” but had one in his own collection inscribed to a Civil War soldier who died in 1863, making them good examples of the small pocket pistols often carried into camp by new recruits, much to the consternation of their officers and danger to their companions. The pistol is very simply designed with a 3 ¾” round barrel and brass frame and a hammer that functions as the breechblock as well. The grips are are walnut (some are known with rosewood.) The barrel was fitted with front and rear sights that probably served more for confidence building in a potential customer than any real purpose in what was clearly a close-up weapon.

The barrel and frame are smooth metal, though lacking original finish from wear and handling. The barrel is a dull silver mixed with thin darker gray spots. The frame has an aged, mustard patina with tiny spotting. The rear sight was a simple piece of sheet brass and is missing, but the slot is there for it. The maker’s stamp is very crisp on the buttstrap: “J.C. TERRY / PATENT / PENDING.” The grips show rounding, gaps and scratches and some chips. The grip screw is an old replacement. The buttstrap shows some pockmarks, but also a set of old initials “MN.” Mechanics work well though are a bit stiff; bore is somewhat dirty with scattered pitting.

The relatively flat contour makes it perfect for carrying unobtrusively in a vest pocket, so it certainly qualifies for display with a couple of poker hands on a saloon card table as well as a pistol given by a well-wisher or concerned family member to a new soldier, who plainly carried it a lot.  [sr][ph:L]

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