Selected Handgun Detail

Manufacturer
	American Derringer Corporation More Info

About the Gun

This is a factory-custom variant of the Model 4 platform, featuring hand-applied engraving on the stainless steel frame and barrel block. Engraving patterns ranged from moderate scrollwork to more detailed designs, offered as an heirloom-quality option through the company's custom services.

Production

This firearm was produced from 1985 into the late 1990s or early 2000s

Market value

MSRP is approximately $800-$900. Used market value ranges from $600 to $750.

Cartridge Specifications
Cartridge:	.45 Colt
Alias:	.45 Long Colt
More Info

Analysis

The American Derringer Model M-4 Engraved integrates hand-applied custom engraving onto the stainless steel components of the Model 4 platform, serving primarily as a decorative enhancement rather than a functional modification. The engraving, available in varying degrees of complexity through factory custom orders, contributed to extended production timelines and individualized pricing during the company's operational years. As a limited-output variant these pieces reflect the era's emphasis on craftsmanship in a niche market segment. The added surface decoration increases collectible interest on the secondary market, where examples typically realize higher prices than non-engraved counterparts due to scarcity and the labor involved, though overall availability stays low through auctions and private transactions. The underlying mechanics and handling characteristics align with the standard Model 4.