Project Description
This is a 1/2 scale “Southener” single shot derringer by the legendary Tom P. Weston of Mexico City, Mexico, made from the mid 1940’s to the mid 1970’s. 2 5/8″ long overall with a 1 7/16″ octagon barrel of .192 caliber. Chambered for the 4mm rimfire cartridge. The steel barrel, hammer, trigger, some screws, & pins are finished in the white. Nickel silver (white brass) frame. Yellow brass bead front sight. Checkered hammer spur, the hammer with full cock only. The hammer must be cocked in order th swing the barrel open for loading, otherwise you risk damage to the firing pin & barrel. Beautiful two piece ivory grips with brass escutcheons and a single screw entering from the left side. The top of the barrel expertly engraved “SOUTHENER”. The bottom of the grip frame & the bottom of the barrel hidden by the frame when closed are stamped “12”. Complete with the original Weston beveled glass topped mahogany puzzle box case. The interior French fit & lined in blue felt with red felt borders. Accessories include a large diameter nickel plated lift top tin with a large number of 4mm rimfire blank cartridges, five live 4mm cartridges with pointed lead bullets, and a blue cleaning rod with ivory handle & brass ferrule. The hammer must be cocked, then the button on the bottom of the frame depressed to swing open the barrel to the left. The piece on the right side of the case that is removed to slide the glass is marked in pencil on the inside “SERIAL 12, CIRCA NOV 1955” in two lines. The bottom of the case with the early & rare Weston brass plaque with green enamel. There are two old yellowed paper labels taped to the case bottom with information on the derringer, date made (11-9-55), & serial number (12), cost (1,000.00 pesos) and the cost of the blank cartridges 1.50 pesos each). Excellent near mint condition showing just minor handling and a couple small nicks on the barrel. Stock # DF-04. Price: $2,500.00.
