Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! Here we have an extremely rare Colt Second Model derringer manufactured from American Sterling Company’s experimental silver alloy around 1872. Serial 3640 is one of an estimated 100 or fewer made and lacks the typical “AM. Sterling” marking.
Helen L. Macker of Boston invented “American Sterling Metal” and patented it January 23, 1872. Her alloy looked like sterling silver but had strength comparable to steel. “The Science Record for 1873” documents Colt Armory tests showing the alloy had three times steel’s tenacity. Steel wire broke at 3,000 pulls while sterling metal wire required 82,000 pulls.
The Colt ledger from August 27, 1872 records: “Presentation 1 Natnl. Der. Pistol made of Sterling Metal from Am. Sterling Co. $4.75.” This appears to be the only ledger reference, suggesting limited experimental production.
American Sterling Company operated from a Glastonbury factory outside Hartford, taking over in 1871 with Leavitt Hunt as president.
Only four American Sterling marked Colt derringers are identified: 3635, 3642, 6415, and 3847. This unmarked 3640 sits two serial numbers from 3642, which was long misidentified as solid sterling silver before George S. Lewis Jr. correctly identified it as American Sterling alloy.
Macker’s patent notes “This compound will not tarnish with age or weather” – proven by this 150-year-old pistol remaining bright. Silver plating tarnished and flaked, but Macker’s alloy maintained appearance without plating.
American Sterling production ended around 1877. Most known alloy derringers bear Sterling markings, making this unmarked example even scarcer.
Most of our POTDs utilize images from our friends at Rock Island Auction Company, the premier firearms auction in the United States. Take some time to browse their current auctions – who knows, maybe you’ll find a piece of history to take home!
“Silver Alloy Colt Second Model Derringer Pistol.” Rock Island Auction, www.rockislandauction.com/detail/4096/1132/silver-alloy-colt-second-model-derringer-pistol. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
Managing Editor | AllOutdoor
Writer | TheFirearmBlog Instagram | sfsgunsmith Old soul, certified gunsmith, published author, avid firearm history learner, and appreciator of old and unique guns.
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