National Treasure 2 - "Booth's Derringer" BUILD! FINISHED!!!

RelicMaker

Master Member
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Since there's so much discussion and lots of love for National Treasure 1 & 2 props, there's also been a lot of interest in the Philadelphia Derringer Pistol John Wilkes Booth used to kill President Lincoln. Even though, the pistol was never seen in the movie, it's definitely something that would look cool to go with the rest of everyone's National Treasure display!:love:thumbsup

So, I'm starting this thread for anyone who wants to build one along with me! We can use this thread for instruction and tips to help eachother out along the way.

I've obtained myself the actual Philadelphia Derringer Pistol kit, which is pictured below. You'll also notice on the wood pistol stock, that I've already outlined the Booth Derringer, which shows what needs to be shaved off.

You'll also see the extra hardware laying next to it, which I had to order seperately. After looking at the trigger & locking mechanism, I may not be able to use the extra trigger or bridle I had ordered, since these are all replacement parts for a different kit. This kit I'm referring to was sold a long time ago called the "Lincoln Derringer" made by Palmetto in Italy, and is nowhere to be found.
The extra, and more accurate hammer that I ordered will hopefully be used, but I am having a hard time removing the current hammer without damaging the rest of the lock piece.

You'll also see in the last picture, a 'nipple wrench' and a 'bullet mold'. You don't need these, but I ordered them extra, since I was wanting to make a case to go with this that contained all the tools and hardware for this particular pistol back in the day. I also have a small powder flask and a 'Loading Rod' on it's way for the case, and also a lot more hardware too. I'll post pictures of it all as soon as they come in.

So far, here's the list of stuff:

Anyways, this is a project of time and money! So far, I've spent over $200 and still have to buy the checkering tools, and the nickel silver for the inlays.:unsure

I won't be able to do a run of these, but I will do a build thread to show you guys the process.:cool:thumbsup

Here's what you guys will need if you choose to build one yourself:
The gun:
Dixie Gun Works muzzleloading, blackpowder and rare antique gun supplies.
The hammer:
http://www.dixiegunworks.com/product_info.php?products_id=6512
Misc. Inlay scrap silver: (To cut out the Inlays)
Other Metal Items | Crazy Crow Trading Post

Checkering Tools:
Checkering Tools - Starter Set: WoodZone.com

Instruction Book:
Gun Checkering Instruction Book: WoodZone.com

Complete Photo Album:

Kit1.jpg


Kit2.jpg


Kit3.jpg


Kit4.jpg


Kit5.jpg


The 'Lincoln Derringer w/ Case', which is no longer for sale, but the tools are for sale at Dixie Gunworks.
pop_wm_900869.jpg


Tools, etc. for the Derringer Case:
pop_wm_900887.jpg
 
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Re: National Treasure 2 - "Booth's Derringer" BUILD THREAD!!!

What's what in this pic??? Black powder flask on the right and I assume powder ram next to that but what about the rest???

What are you using for a case????


What guage steel do you think would work for the other parts????

Thanks man. as usual you rock


Tools, etc. for the Derringer Case:
pop_wm_900887.jpg
[/QUOTE]
 
Re: National Treasure 2 - "Booth's Derringer" BUILD THREAD!!!

Good luck Brenton & anyone else undertaking this task to make this gun. I think this is going to be a great thread to follow!!

GeordieIndy
 
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Re: National Treasure 2 - "Booth's Derringer" BUILD THREAD!!!

What's what in this pic??? Black powder flask on the right and I assume powder ram next to that but what about the rest???

What are you using for a case????


What guage steel do you think would work for the other parts????

Thanks man. as usual you rock


Tools, etc. for the Derringer Case:
pop_wm_900887.jpg
[/QUOTE]

From left to right:

Nipple Wrench - Used to screw in the nipple that holds the caps. This is what the hammer strikes down on when you pull the trigger.

Ball / Bullet Mold - The mold to pour molten lead into to make yourself bullets.

Loading Rod / Bullet Starter - Used to pack the gunpowder, packing, and bullet into the barrel.

Powder Flask - Used to hold the gunpowder.

Unfortunately, I was notified by Dixie, that they no longer carry the Powder Flask & Loading Rod, but these are obtained from other Black Powder gun websites. I have yet to pick some out, but will post what I do decide on.

I'll also either be building my case, or have someone custom make it for me.
 
Re: National Treasure 2 - "Booth's Derringer" BUILD THREAD!!!

Ah... Finally! A thread worth getting excited about! ;)

Here's a good look at the original:
 
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Re: National Treasure 2 - "Booth's Derringer" BUILD THREAD!!!

Or if you are very untalented ... As I am..... You can buy this for under $100.00

gunthatshotlincolnboxed.jpg



Mike
 
Re: National Treasure 2 - "Booth's Derringer" BUILD THREAD!!!

UPDATE:

I'm trying to set this project in a little motion...

So, I took the hammer mechanism to the gunsmith a few days ago to have them replace the hammer with the more accurate one, since it was impossible to remove without damaging the whole thing.
Hopefully, it won't take too long...:unsure
 
Re: National Treasure 2 - "Booth's Derringer" BUILD THREAD!!!

Very cool project. That really is a nice looking gun, especially in the case.
 
Re: National Treasure 2 - "Booth's Derringer" BUILD THREAD!!!

Can't wait to see how this turns out, I'm sure it will look great!!

GeordieIndy
 
Re: National Treasure 2 - "Booth's Derringer" BUILD THREAD!!!

UPDATE:

I FINALLY got the hammer mechanism back from the gunsmith this weekend, with the old hammer removed!:):thumbsup

So, I should hopefully be able to start working on this soon and start showing more progress.
 
Re: National Treasure 2 - "Booth's Derringer" BUILD THREAD!!!

UPDATE:

I had a few hours today to do a little carving on this.

I shaped up the wood stock to match the Booth Derringer, and did a little engraving on the trigger guard. The engraving isn't as smooth as I'd like it to be, but will be working on it some more with a new air carver that I got.
I also ordered some nickel silver inlays for this, which should be here in about a week.
If you notice that a some parts are brass, which will also need to be nickel-plated to match the original.

:cool:thumbsup

DerringerKit1.jpg


DerringerKit2.jpg


DerringerKit3.jpg


DerringerKit4.jpg
 
Re: National Treasure 2 - "Booth's Derringer" BUILD THREAD!!!

As always Brenton great work, this is going to be a really nice piece when you finish it up!! I came across a few more pics of the original recently which I will send you, although I am sure you already have more than enough pics to use!

Andy
 
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