A. Uberti & C Gardone .45 Cal Maverick derringer

1trigger

I need a value and some opinion on this derringer. It has "A. UBERTI & C. GARDONE. V.T. ITALY" engraved between the barrels on the right side with the crossed rifle emblem and star to the rear. "INTERCONTINENTAL ARMS INC." is on the left side. "MAVERICK .45" is engraved on the top with serial number 1194. The serial number is also engraved on the frame, forward of the left grip. On the frame, behind the trigger and also on the bottom of the barrel the number 28 is engraved. On the left side of the frame, under the serial number, is the crossed rifle emblem with the star above it, then XXI, then the letters PSF with another circle emblem above it. This is a heavy little derringer that I'm sure is a great calibre and size for a back-up, but the hammer/trigger mechanism is bad and will fire if cocked half way, and bumped or dropped. Any help will help.

Putnam

These were imported in the late fifies to early sixties (see Gun Digests from that era). They were offered in 357 Mag and 45 Colt. My guesstimate is that there were not that many imported and your serial number is the highest I've heard of. I can't tell exactly from your description of what the problem may or may not be with the mechanism but all of the older Remington copies (as opposed to the current Bonds with a cross-bolt safety) will fire if dropped on the hammer. Col. Cooper relates of an incident where a doctor dropped a Remington copy derringer, which fell on its hammer (as they tend to do based on the Center of Gravity) and almost died from the resulting wound. Pricewise, I have seen these go for 400 to 500 of late. I get the impression that, like the Great Western Remington copies of the same era, they are much sought-after by Cowboy Action Shooters.

Blangus

I have a derringer just like the one discribed except mine is a .357. It is in excellant shape. I bought from a trading post gun dealer around 1978. My SN stamped on the top of the barrel, just about where it hinges, is 794 but the framework just above the hammer it is stamped 1794. I've never had any problems with it and it shoots very well. Of course you shoot about 4 rounds and you are ready to set 'er down. I've never had it appraised but am glad to know it is valued between $400-500 dollars. I paid $75 for it 30 years ago. The wood hand grips are in pretty good shape but I would like to put a couple of pearl grips on her. Any suggestions as to where to purchase grips like this? Question: Is it "A. Uberti?" The 1st letter "U" is a little hard to make out on mine because of the way it is stamped.

Bill DeShivs

Blangus
Real mother of pearl is too brittle for a hard recoiling gun like yours. Fake MOP (plastic) is too fragile. I work both of these materials frequently.
Pakkawood (laminated wood,) Micarta, stag, and hard woods such as ebony will hold up.