Derringer Model 95 Research Project

[pbrowne]

Is there a research project on the Model 95 Derringer re 'serial numbers'? I know they did not have serial numbers, but batch numbers. I just want to add mine to any database that is being compiled. Batch number is 000.

Description from Rock Island Premiere Auction in May 2024:

The design was patented by Dr. William H. Elliot on December 12, 1865, with this variation being manufactured from around 1870 to 1888. This early variation is marked with the two-line "E. REMINGTON & SONS, ILION, N.Y./ELLIOT'S PATENT DECEMBER 12TH 1865" marking on the rib and has an ejector fitted to the left side. The serial number is on the bottom of the lower barrel and on the frame under the left grip. It is fitted with blade and notch sights, as well as a pair of smooth rosewood grips.

Excellent, retains 98% plus of the bright original nickel finish and 80% plus of the original niter blue with some scattered light handling marks. The grips are also excellent with some scattered light handling marks and retaining most of the original varnish. Mechanically excellent.

Specifically, this example is a Type I, Late Production (aka Model 2): circa 1868-1888, about 14,000 produced, barrel rib stamped E. REMINGTON & SONS, ILION, N.Y. on first line and ELLIOT’s PATENT DEC. 12, 1865 on second line.

This is now part of my collection in Western Australia

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[aardq]

Hi Pbrowne,

The best reference on the Double Derringer is the book, "Remington's Double Derringer," by Drummond, Johnson, Williams, and Barnard. There are several misconceptions about these guns. First, they were called, "Double Barrel Repeater" or the "Double Derringer." Remington did not assign model numbers until 1923, at which time the DD was given the model number of 95, but it was still called the Double Derringer. Thus only DDs made in 1923 or later are model 95s.

The first model has three variations, all of them marked on the side ribs. These are sequential serial numbers. They were made 1866 to 1871.
1) The first 100, are marked, "Manufactured by E. Remington & Sons."
2) As above but the "manufactured by" is not there.
3) As above, but with an ejector, which cuts into the marking on the left side.
[i]note:[/i] Some first model DDs were sent back to have the ejector added.
The second model has two lines on the top of the barrel rib. They are sequentially serialed, and were made 1872 to 1886.
The third model was marked "Remington Arms Company." These were made in batches from 1888 to 1911, with the serial numbers starting at 1 for each batch. We have no idea how many batches were made, nor how many may have been in each batch. There are six variations of this model, identified by the variations in the barrel marking
The fourth model has three variations made from 1922 to 1935, and are marked, "Remington Arms - UMC Co . The first 3000 are sequential numbers, 1 to 3000. In 1922 Remington began using serial number beginning with the letter "L" but the reason for this is unknown. The L numbers begin with L9XXXX, (1922 - 1933), and the final DDs began with L75 and L76, (1933-1935). All guns made from June, 1922 have a two letter date code, indicating the month and year they were shipped. Only eight DDs were shipped after 1935. The last DD shipped (not made) is L75757, and marked, BL, for January, 1942. The final 700 DDs made have a matte finish, no side rib between the barrels, and are called "Monoblocks".

If you have a Second Model, aka: "Two line", with the serial 000, it is very unusual, since Remington never used just zeros, and they didn't use zeroes in the serial number such as, 0X, 00X, or 0XX. Do both the barrels and the frame have the 000 number? Is it possible the the serial is 600 or 900, and the the first digit is a light stroke?

The RSA is collecting the serial numbers of the first models, please send them to aardqe5@gmail.com

Hopefully this will clear up some of the confusion on the DDs.
Daniel

[pbrowne]

Yes I thought the triple zero would be odd for a batch number.

I am yet to get this gun in hand as it only recently arrived in Perth from the US with 5 1911A1 and a SOE contract Inglis. Under Australian law it has to be held by Border Force and transferred to a transferring dealer pending adding to my Collector's licence.

I will post back when I get hold of it.

[pbrowne]

And yes, this is the earlier Double Derringer, not a Model 95 from 1888 onwards.

[pbrowne]

Hi Daniel

Ah! Just found the original RIA page for my DD:

https://www.rockislandauction.com/detai ... -derringer Serial is stated as 2209... which puts it made just after the 3rd version of the first model?

[aardq]

Hi,

Correct. The highest First Model serial we have is 2145, so your gun must be one of the first Second Models made. Heck, it could be the very first of the Second Models! Too bad we'll never know.