Welcome to at this time’s Photo of the Day! Right here we’ve a particularly uncommon Colt Second Mannequin derringer manufactured from American Sterling Firm’s experimental silver alloy round 1872. Serial 3640 is one in all an estimated 100 or fewer made and lacks the everyday “AM. Sterling” marking.
Helen L. Macker of Boston invented “American Sterling Steel” and patented it January 23, 1872. Her alloy seemed like sterling silver however had energy corresponding to metal. “The Science Report for 1873” paperwork Colt Armory exams exhibiting the alloy had thrice metal’s tenacity. Metal wire broke at 3,000 pulls whereas sterling steel wire required 82,000 pulls.
The Colt ledger from August 27, 1872 information: “Presentation 1 Natnl. Der. Pistol made from Sterling Steel from Am. Sterling Co. $4.75.” This seems to be the one ledger reference, suggesting restricted experimental manufacturing.
American Sterling Firm operated from a Glastonbury manufacturing facility outdoors Hartford, taking up in 1871 with Leavitt Hunt as president.
Solely 4 American Sterling marked Colt derringers are recognized: 3635, 3642, 6415, and 3847. This unmarked 3640 sits two serial numbers from 3642, which was lengthy misidentified as strong sterling silver earlier than George S. Lewis Jr. accurately recognized it as American Sterling alloy.
Macker’s patent notes “This compound won’t tarnish with age or climate” – confirmed by this 150-year-old pistol remaining shiny. Silver plating tarnished and flaked, however Macker’s alloy maintained look with out plating.
American Sterling manufacturing ended round 1877. Most recognized alloy derringers bear Sterling markings, making this unmarked instance even scarcer.
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“Silver Alloy Colt Second Mannequin Derringer Pistol.” Rock Island Public sale, www.rockislandauction.com/element/4096/1132/silver-alloy-colt-second-model-derringer-pistol. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
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