Remington Vest Pocket Pistol Circa 1870

This rare little Remington vest pistol was invented by William H Elliot and is alternatively known as an Elliot's pattern or saw handle pistol because of the shape of the butt. The pistols were made in blued, silver or nickel finishes. The pistol is unusual insofar as the hammer obdurates the breech when it falls and you drop down a gate to load it. You can see the beginnings of the famous Remington breech block action emerging in this diminutive pistol. Although the handle looks uncomfortable it is actually a very comfortable pistol to hold and the ergonomics are superb. Between 1865 and 1888 less than 20,000 of these pistols were made. The pistol is stamped with the makers name and patent date on top of the breech. This particular pistol is in 41 rim fire calibre and recent research has shown that this had formidable stopping power at close range. The actions is tight and as it should be. All in all a scarce, if not rare little pistol that would make a good addition to a Derringer collection.