.22RF Short. 3.5” ribbed octagonal barrel. SN: 416 . Silver plated barrel, engraved gilt brass frame, color casehardened hammer and trigger, smooth ivory grips. Barrel rib marked in a single line “T.J. STAFFORD. NEW-HAVEN, CT.” with the butt marked in two lines “PATENTED/APPLIED FOR”. 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. Matching serial numbers are found on the frame, barrel and in both grips. The frame and rear portion of the barrel are engraved with New York style Arabesque foliate scrolls with punch dot shading that is reminiscent of the work of L.D. Nimschke’s shop. Eberhart & Wilson note in The Deringer in America Volume II - The Cartridge Period that only 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 an engraved single shot cartridge derringer from the mid-19th century. Ivory Notice: Contains less than 20% ivory and over 100 years old. Not available for shipment to California, Hawaii, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Washington, or the District of Columbia. Buyers are responsible for compliance with all applicable laws. Provenance: Al and Carol Cali Collection. Pickup & Shipping: Free pickup in Gardnerville, NV. 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 essentially all of the silver intact, showing some high edge wear, thinning, and some minute flaked loss. The frame retains some minute traces of the gilt finish and now has a rich, uncleaned butterscotch patina. Markings and engraving remain very clear and crisp. Action is mechanically functional with good lock up. Bore very good, partly bright with some moderate amounts of scattered oxidation, some light pitting and crisp rifling. Grips about fine and crisp with a rich yellowish patina and free of any chips, cracks or repairs.