.22RF Short. 3.37” octagon to round barrel. SN: 61. Blued barrel, silver plated brass frame, blued hammer and trigger, smooth varnished rosewood bird’s head grips. Top flat of chamber marked in two lines “W.W. COWLES, DEANE & CO/CHICOPEE, MASS.” Matching serial numbers on frame under grip, under barrel, on the trigger and inside both grips. A simple single action, spur trigger, single shot pivoting barrel derringer with no rear sight and a German silver blade front sight, similar to the ones produced by Merwin & Bray. The Cowles firm operated under several names, including Cowels & Smith (ca. 1863-1869), W.W. Cowles, Deane & Co (ca. 1869 for a few months only), Smith & Deane (ca. 1869-1870) and Cowles & Son (ca. 1870-1876). It is believed a grand total of about 3,600 guns were produced from 1863-1876. The W.W. Cowles, Deane & Co mark is extremely rare due to the very limited time the firm was in business. This example is pictured and discussed on page 60 of Eberhart & Wilson’s book The Deringer in America Volume II - The Cartridge Period. At the time it was part of L.D. Eberhart’s collection. Shipping: This lot may be picked up free of charge in Gardnerville, NV. It can also be delivered to the Annex Auctions facility for pick up in Sacramento for $25 or shipped via FedEx or USPS within the continental U.S. for $85. All shipments include Direct Signature Required and full replacement value insurance at a rate of 1.5% of the purchase price, unless the buyer accepts full liability in writing. Combined lot shipping is typically discounted. Excellent. Barrel with most of the bright blue intact, showing some minor thinning, fading and high edge wear. Frame with most of the heavily tarnished silver plating intact with some thinning and high edge wear. Markings remain clear and crisp. Mechanically functional action. Bore good to very good, showing moderate oxidation and some old debris with good, visible rifling. Grips fine, with some varnish intact and showing light to moderate wear with some minor marks and mars.