.22RF Short. 3.5” ribbed octagonal barrel. SN: 1248 . Blued barrel, engraved brass frame, color casehardened hammer and trigger, smooth varnished rosewood grips. Barrel rib marked in a single line “T.J. STAFFORD. NEW-HAVEN, CT.” with the butt marked in two lines “PATENTED/MARCH 19, 1860.” The simple single shot, single action, spur trigger pistols utilized a tip down action for loading and unloading, a fixed notch rear sight and a brass blade front sight. The frame is engraved with simple loose foliate scrolls, which Eberhart & Wilson note in The Deringer in America Volume II - The Cartridge Period as being the same engraving hand and style as Henry Rifle factory engraving. The authors note that about 2,100 of these guns were produced during the 1860s and 1870s, with only about 20 engraved examples known. They believe the guns were actually produced by the J.H. Merrill company of Baltimore. A scarce and fine example of a single shot cartridge derringer from the mid-19th century. Provenance: Al and Carol Cali Collection. Pickup & Shipping: Free pickup in Sacramento. Shipping via FedEx 2Day air within the continental U.S. for $85 + 1.5% insurance (unless waived in writing). Combined lot shipping available. Very fine. Barrel with most of the bright blue intact, showing some high edge wear, thinning, and some flaked loss. The frame appears to have been gilt originally, but only the most minute traces of the gold are present on the frame, under the grips. The brass has a rich, uncleaned butterscotch patina. Markings and engraving remain clear and crisp. Action is mechanically functional with good lock up. Bore fine, mostly bright with some lightly scattered oxidation and crisp rifling. Grips about fine and crisp with some minor wear along the lower sharp edges and most of the varnish in place, showing some minor wear and loss.