ID Help

[John - Maryland]

I was at and old colonial homestead today and found an old cellar hole on the property. Found a large cent 1848 and a few flat buttons. I found this old gun "Cap and Ball" I believe, but I could use some help from some of you gun collectors that are more knowledgeable than myself in identifying it. Thanks for any help.

 

[rottonr53536]

I would ID that as one cool find!!!!!!!

 

[jimb]

I Dug around and all I could find was that it is a center hammer derringer. And seeing the hammer is cocked. It might have a charge left in it? Careful cleaning it. Around 1840 give or take some years. very cool find!

jimb se wi

 

[Tony N (Michigan)]

I'd soak it in oil about a year or find someone who can electrolysis it carefully.

 

[John - Maryland]

I have it in an electrolysis bath, and the corrosion is slowly comming off. It is starting to shape up. I can read 4 letters on the barral (HERO).Weather that is part of a larger word or the entire word, I can't tell yet.That is all I can make out at this point. Need to let the electrolysis do it's work.

 

[John - Maryland]

PERCUSSION PISTOLS. (1) Hero, Cal. 34, NSN. Small brass rounded frame center hammer pistol with 4" rnd bbl, bag-shaped walnut grips.
Not sure on the date. 1840's maybe?

 

[John - Maryland]

After some cleaning.Manhattan Fire Arms Manufacturing Co.
(circa 1856 to 1873 )Manhattan Firearms also manufactured guns under the trade names

 

[Dan-Pa.]

Watch how long you use Electrolysis as it can damage if used too long..
In any case congragulations as you sure have a rare find...

 

[Joe.]

Nice pictures, could you tell me what camera you used.

 

[John - Maryland]

Canon Power Shot SD600 Digital ELPH. Great Camera.and Price.