Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! James Monroe Jones (J.M. Jones), born into slavery in North Carolina, became one of the most skilled gunsmiths of his era. After his father purchased the family’s freedom, Jones graduated from Oberlin College in 1849 before establishing himself as “Gunsmith Jones” in Chatham, Canada, where he created some of the finest firearms of the mid-19th century. This particular derringer showcases Jones’s exceptional craftsmanship. The rifled barrel bears his signature and features gold bands and plugs at the breech. Fine border and scroll engraving adorns the lock and silver furniture, while the bird’s head stock displays precise checkering and a Schnabel tip. Beyond mere technical excellence, this weapon represents a remarkable achievement: a formerly enslaved man becoming one of North America’s premier gunsmiths. Jones won multiple awards for his work, including medals at the 1859 Montreal Manufacturing and Trade Fair. Though his skill earned him a commission to create gilt derringers for the Prince of Wales, local racism prevented their presentation – a stark reminder of the barriers Jones overcame through his artistry.
“Manufacturer: Unknown
Model: Percussion Pocket
Type: Pistol
Gauge: 41
Barrel: 2 inch octagon
Finish: brown/casehardened/silver/gold”
Lot 170: J.M. Jones Derringer Percussion Pocket Pistol – Rare Documented Gold Banded, Engraved, and Silver Mounted Derringer Percussion Pocket Pistol Signed by African American James “Gunsmith” Jones. (n.d.-a). Rock Island Auction Company. photograph. Retrieved February 23, 2025, from https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/4090/170/jm-jones-derringer-percussion-pocket-pistol.
Writer | TheFirearmBlog
Writer | AllOutdoor.com Instagram | sfsgunsmith Old soul, certified gunsmith, published author, avid firearm history learner, and appreciator of old and unique guns.
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