Product Description
J.P. LOWER of DENVER, CO Deringer Type .40 Cal. Pistol Philadelphia Antique
Rare Mid-19th Century Single Shot Sidearm
Here we present an antique J.P. Lower Deringer Type Percussion Pistol, made circa the late 1850s. Single shot pistols such as these were very popular from the 18th and well into the 19th Centuries in the United States, as well as overseas. They were of course made primarily for self-defense, especially in cities or traveling around the countryside.
The barrel on this pistol is stamped with famed Denver gunsmith and entrepreneur J.P. Lower of Denver, Colorado. Born in 1833 to a Philadelphia carpenter, John Pray Lower soon developed a much keener interest in firearms than carpentry. At 13 he began an apprenticeship with J.C. Grubb, a Philadelphia blacksmith turned gun dealer and trader, and by circa 1851 Lower had become a master gunsmith. He is known to have made some trade guns and borrowed some design features from fellow Philadelphia gunmaker Henry Deringer, though they are rare. He moved to Denver, Colorado circa 1872 (when Colorado was still a territory rather than a state) and bought Frank Freund’s shop along with Carlos Gove. There he became one of the “Wild West’s most famous firearms dealers. He made a name for himself in a profession as essential, if not as glamorous, as that of the lawman or army scout. Lower stated that he had probably armed every Colorado Territory lawman, badman, Indian, and gambler.
The overall condition is very good. Strong action. Good, clear bore with nice rifling. Lightly engraved lock, hammer, trigger guard, and barrel tang. “J.P. LOWER” marked a top the barrel. The stock/grip are in good shape (light handling wear) with nice checkering and there are some minor, short splits in the fore stock. The pommel can be opened up for spare percussion cap storage. A very neat and rare gun from one of the most recognizable dealers of the Wild West!
Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.
Barrel is 5 inches.
Caliber: .40 percussion
Overall condition as seen in photos.
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$2695
#217104