RIfleman Q&A: Derringer Rifles?

by
posted on April 8, 2022
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
right-side view derringer gun rifle muzzleloader musket colorless image black-white photography

Q. Can you identify my rifle? The only markings on it are “U.S. Derringer, Philadelphia 1826.” Any information would be appreciated.


A. You have a U.S. Model 1817 .54-cal. flintlock rifle that was altered to percussion cap ignition by the so-called “Belgian” method in the 1850s. This involved replacing the flint cock with a percussion hammer of the style and shape your photos show, removing the external frizzen, frizzen spring, and filling in the mounting screw holes for these parts. The flintlock brass pan was cut off close to the lockplate, and the hollow of the pan was filled with brass. All of these features—including the 1826 date—match details in my references for Derringer “Common Rifles.”

wood gun rifle musket stock buttplate stamping military u.s.

The clue that confirms my identification is the photo showing the “U.S.” on the butt tang. It also shows the top of the latch for the oval patchbox on the right side of the butt. That and the gently flared ramrod tip make me certain. Your other photographs cover up features that would have made identification easier.

Henry Derringer worked in Philadelphia, Pa., and had a contract to produce 400 U.S. Model 1817 “Common Rifles” of 1826 out of the 13,000 rifles he made between 1819 and 1846. The U.S. Model 1817 Rifles are described and illustrated in Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms 8th Edition. For a more detailed and better illustrated account, see American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume II, From the 1790s to the End of the Flintlock Period by George D. Moller.

—Angus Laidlaw


This “Questions & Answers” was featured in the June 2005 issue of American Rifleman. At time of publication, "Questions & Answers" was compiled by Staff, Ballistics Editor William C. Davis, Jr., and Contributing Editors: David Andrews, Hugh C. Birnbaum, Bruce N. Canfield, O. Reid Coffield, Charles Q. Cutshaw, Charles M. Fagg, Angus Laidlaw, Evan P. Marshall, Charles E. Petty, Robert B. Pomeranz, O.D., Jon R. Sundra, Jim Supica, A.W.F. Taylerson, John M. Taylor and John W. Treakle.

To subscribe to the magazine, visit the NRA membership page here and select American Rifleman as your member magazine.

Latest

Ortgies Pistol Ihtog 1
Ortgies Pistol Ihtog 1

I Have This Old Gun: The Ortgies Pistol

One of the lesser-known, German-made handguns from the early 20th century, the Ortgies pistol has a fascinating history stretching from the end of World War I all the way to the conclusion of World War II.

New For 2025: Taurus GX4 Strike Bravo

In a collaboration with Strike Industries, Taurus USA has launched its GX4 Strike Bravo, which combines elements of its popular micro-compact handgun with a chassis-frame design capable of accepting a stabilizing brace.

PenFed Touts Successful Three Quarters In 2025

In a quarterly update to members, PenFed Credit Union CEO James Schenck highlighted the company's strong financial position while also sharing some of his financial insights.

2026 NRA Youth Education Summit Applications Open

Applications are now open for the 2026 NRA Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.), an all-expenses-paid, six-day leadership and scholarship program for rising high school juniors and seniors.

I Have This Old Gun: Colt-Burgess Rifle

There was a time when firearm manufacturers were primarily known for producing only one specific type of gun. In fact, their fame, reputations and, often, their fortunes hinged upon it.

The Rifleman Report: The Misrepresented Armed Citizen

Despite what mainstream news outlets would have us believe, most armed citizens are thoughtful, deliberate, responsible Americans whose foremost concerns are the well-being of themselves and their families.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.