Welcome to today’s photo of the day! Here we have the Williamson Patent Derringer, produced from 1866 to 1870, chambered in .41 rimfire, and including a percussion adapter to convert between cartridge and cap operation.
The 1860s were a transitional period where percussion and metallic cartridge systems actually co-existed. Wherever they went, not everyone had access to rimfire ammunition, and not everyone was willing to give up their percussion equipment. Williamson’s solution was to create a gun that could handle both. The percussion adapter lets you play whatever system you have the ammunition for.
It’s a practical idea and an interesting piece of that transitional moment in firearms history. David Williamson’s patent design used a hinged breech for cartridge loading, and an adapter was fitted to it when you required cap-and-ball operation.
2.5-inch barrel, constructed of brass and walnut, standard for civilian pocket pistols of that era. These competed with Remington and other Derringer manufacturers during the immediate post-war years.
Most of our POTDs use images of our friends Rock Island Auction CompanyMajor firearms auction in the United States. Take some time to browse them current auction – Who knows, maybe you’ll find a piece of history to take home!
“Williamson’s Patent Breech Loading Derringer Pistol.” Rock Island Auction, www.rockislandauction.com/detail/5031/728/williamson-patent-breech-loading-derringer-pistol. Accessed 28 May 2026.
