Identify an unmarked underhammer pistol

[BE Wild Willy]

I'm going to take a look at this tomorrow, any ideas who might be the manufacturer?

 

[gmww]

The shape is the typical New England design. It looks similar to fig. 68 on page 90, from Underhammer Guns by Herschell C. Logan.

Fig. 68 is described as Andrews Ferry & Co.
3 inch, round-octogon, rifled barrel. Stampon the top strap ANDREWS FERRY & CO.

Total length, 6.5".

When you finally get to look at it please photograph all the markings and I'll check this book. Also include a scale like a ruler.

 

[hawkeye2]

It's typical of a New England piece but it look far too nice to be an oldie unless you are a very lucky person.

 

[BE Wild Willy]

I ended up with this gun and will post some pics as soon as I get a chance. It is unmarked except for the number "4" stamped in several locations. I believe it is a modern gun, did these ever show up as kits? Barrel is 4" and .36 cal. smoothbore.

 

[hawkeye2]

No they were never made commercially finished or as a kit. Whoever built that one did it nice and it is authentic as well.

 

[gmww]

I'd love to see the mechanism to see how close they kept to the New England designs.

 

[BE Wild Willy]

Just made it back home again, I'll try to get some pics taken tomorrow, including some with the gun disassembled.

 

[BE Wild Willy]

Well, finally made time to take some pics, tell me what you think. Any value in this gun?

 

[hawkeye2]

Nope, no value there. Why don't you send it to me and I'll cut it up so you can scrap it and won't even charge ya cauz I feel bad for you. Seriously, there is some fine workmanship in that pistol! Any idea who made it?

 

[wulf]

I can only tell you that is called a "Boot Pistol"

 

[BE Wild Willy]

I wish that I knew who made it, I assumed that it was a kit. Patched .350 rb appears like it will work, maybe 10 gr. fff., contemplating firing it. Wonder if it's worth $150-$200?

 

[hawkeye2]

It is. If you ever decide to part with it let me know.

 

[dyemaker]

This article may be helpful. as for the value ...

:idunno:
http://asoac.org/bulletins/96_chandler_ruggles.pdf

 

[44-henry]

It is not an original by any means, though it is reasonably faithful to many New England style underhammers such as the Ruggles in outside appearance. If you look at the inside the workings are completely different. I am not sure who makes the action, but I have one that I think was built by the same person that I purchased on Ebay some time ago. I was intrigued by the way they operated which though not original, is quite clever.

One problem with mine, and yours is that it only has a full cock notch, not safety. This is faithful to this style of pistol, but has always made me a bit nervous. I have also found that the sear engagement on mine is not safe due to the angles used, it is possible for the hammer to slip. This may not be an issue with yours, but it is something to watch out for.

 

[M. De Land]

I notice what looks like a pin through the lower pistol girp. What is this for? MD

 

[Rifleman1776]

I'll venture it is a one of a kind, homemade pistol. Quite possibly for target shooting only.

 

[gmww]

Thanks for the updates. Very clean looking gun. I'm intrigued with the action. IMHO it is worth what you posted and possibly more to someone who likes underhammers.

 

[BE Wild Willy]

Yep, no half-cock, but sear engagement is good.

 

[BE Wild Willy]

Nope, not a pin, just some smutz on the grip that I haven't tried to remove.

 

[BE Wild Willy]

Place that I acquired it from called it homemade, but had no other info on it.