derringer

Question
Hello sir, I have a derringer that was passed down to me from my wifes grandfather who passed away last year. It is chrome plated, missing the grips, and is somewhat loose when you move the barrel/s back and forth. On  the left side of the pistol/ rib area it says [frontier model derringer] on top of the rib at the breech, TEXAS, halfway down the rib, it says HAWES??? On the right side of the barrel rib it says, made in West Germany. serial is #101825 any info on this would be appreciated. I do know from family pic's and lore that my wifes grandfather was a sherrifs deputy in Nogales, Arizona during the late 50's and early 60's By the way, caliber 38 spl. Thank you, Donald Cawthon.

Answer
Hi Donald.

Your derringer was most likely imported by Hawes Firearms in the 40s or 50s.  They were based in Van Nuys, CA and they imported a number of revolvers for sale in the USA.  Most of their guns were made by J.P. Sauer & Sohn in Eckernforde, Germany but some were made by other firms.  If your relative was a sheriff then he probably confiscated it from someone and kept it.

The Hawes revolvers typically don't have a high value but there isn't a lot of information readily available on the derringers.  You would have to check with a collector, veteran gunsmith / dealer, or possibly a historian to dig up some more information.  Here are some links which might help you:

Free blue book info on Hawes:
https://www.bluebookinc.com/Download/Category.aspx?product=GUN&id=449

Replacement grips for Hawes derringers:
http://www.gun-parts.com/derringer/

Large picture of a Hawes .22 derringer:
http://www.gun-parts.com/derringer/feb04_05.jpg

Search link for more info on Hawes:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&safe=off&q=%22Hawes+Firearms%22

Good luck.

Bob