Antique “SOUTHERNER” Deringer Merrimack Arms Co. 41 RF

Serial #1072, .41 Rim Fire, 2.5 inch octagon barrel with a fine dark bore with very good rifling and patches of roughness.  This is the “SOUTHERNER” Deringer manufactured by the Merrimack Arms Company in Newburyport, Mass from 1866 to 1869 with an estimated 6500 produced before it became Brown Manufacturing.  In fine antique condition this example of the popular side-swing has very clear marking along the top of the barrel and along the side with three line address “MERRIMACK ARMS & MFG CO / NEWBURYPORT MASS / PATENTED APRIL 9. 1867”.   The barrel shows a plum-brown / gray patina with the brass frame a pleasing aged finish with gouge along the back strap.  The original rosewood grips are correctly numbered to the gun and remain in near excellent condition, solid with numerous old surface marks and scratches.  The barrel is slightly loose with a very good lock up and the hammer holds at half and full cock with a strong spring and releasing with a crisp trigger pull.  A very good to fine and very well marked example of the Southerner Deringer with the desirable early markings.  Antique