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BJT DA DERRINGER 9X19MM BELLMOORE-JOHNSON TOOL CO.

mrmike08075
1. "THE DA by BJT" derringer [BJT(-3)] MODEL
2. BELLMOORE-JOHNSON TOOL COMPANY
3. DA only (double action only)
4. OU (over-under) 2-BBL configuration
5. 9X19MM LUGER chambering
6. checkered walnut grip panels
7. 3" BBL / semi-matte stainles finish
8. 4 7/8" OAL * 3/4" width * 3 1/4" OAH * 14 OUNCE WGHT
9. made in the USA from AMERICAN materials
10. pinched frame rear / blade front sight
11. 2-position saftey on left of frame
12. extractors... when the BLS`s are tilted open, pull the locking strap upward to extract the cartridges...
13. LEFT OF BBL: "9MM CAL." "DA" "BTJ HAMDEN, CT. U.S.A."
14. RIGHT OF FRAME: "011299" (SER#)
15. original owners manual included (no box)
16. 99% overal condition / NRA EXCELLANT / perfect bore, etc....


i believe that total production breaks down as follows...
.38 SPECIAL (7814 PCS)
.9X19MM LUGER (228 PCS)
.38 / 9MM COMBO (2-FITTED BBL SETS) (3 PCS)

the company started in 1986??? sold the rights, tools, and dies to ADC WACO a short time later??? CNC machined from a solid block of stainless steel...

whats it worth??? is it of intrest to collectors??? what years of production??? total production numbers by caliber??? any one own one??? any one seen one??? opinions of quality??? data, info, stories, anecdotes, history, facts, etc...???

best regards, mike.

What other dungeon is so dark as ones own heart, what jailer so inexorable as ones own mind.
contact me at the shop at waltsgun@aol.com best regards, mike.
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Comments

5 comments

Date Votes
  • quartermasterBC
    Similar gun still available from American Derringer, only not in 9mm.

    http://www.amderringer.com/das.html

    Can't remember the manufacturer, but I had the same gun in 9mm bought in the mid/late 80's.
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  • mrmike08075
    ADC (AMERICAN DERRINGER CORPORATION) currently manufactures a copy (some alloy parts) than MSRP`s at $455.00...

    how does the limited production run of 228 pcs, made one year only affect the value and collectability of this piece???

    best regards, mike.

    What other dungeon is so dark as ones own heart, what jailer so inexorable as ones own mind.
    contact me at the shop at waltsgun@aol.com best regards, mike.
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  • Lance
    Bellmoore-Johnson Tool Company was in business for many years before they took a flyer to manufacture [production] firearms. They had been a prototype developer of firearms and systems. Among their clients were Department of Defense, most of the commercial gunmakers in New England.

    Method of manufacture I cannot confirm. I suspect it was a primitive form of CNC (maybe tape fed??) I used to have their brochure from that era. Very sophisticated shop floor.

    You need not "pull the lock strap" to extract. This action is inherent in opening the barrels.
    *********
    These guns have value two ways: as something that goes "bang" and as collector's item. As firearm, I doubt a used BJT would have more value than an ADC version NEW -- that is, about $475.

    As a collector's item, its value is always what the buyer is willing to pay. A 9 mm is a scarce item, but dedicated derringer collector's are nearly as scarce. That the pistol is, more or less, still in production should be helpful. The more bizarre variations available, it seems, the more collectible becomes the entire family of derringers. But what do I know?

    NOTE: the box and paperwork make up a substantial portion of collector's value.

    Hope this helps.
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  • mrmike08075
    i cannot even find a listing in my referance library for value...
    not in BLUE BOOK, STANDARD CATALOG OF FIREARMS, MODEN GUN VALUES, ETC...

    i have located info in several old GUN DIGEST volumes indicating they did exist, and i have scrounged up the info / data i posted here, but after that i come up empty...

    the limited production run (number of pieces / years produced) and the high quality of this piece must yield some collectors intrest or comensurate increase in value...

    anyone care to hazard a guess???
    short of auctioning it off, how do i arrive at an INSURANCE / REPLACEMENT VALUE figure???

    i could only locate 2 for sale, at $499.99 and $2500.00 asking prices...

    i am stumped...(this gun is my dads new toy)
    best regards, mike.

    What other dungeon is so dark as ones own heart, what jailer so inexorable as ones own mind.
    contact me at the shop at waltsgun@aol.com best regards, mike.
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  • Lance
    I reiterate: When you are valuing an item as having "collector's value," the item is only as valuable as the highest bidder tells you it is.

    I acknowledge your BJT is rare. If no one cares, its collector's value is no more than replacement value. The universe of derringer collector's is apparently small.

    You can sell it for what you can get. You can use it. You can put it away in anticipation of its interest as collectible improving.

    As a machine in the condition you describe, it is worth slightly more than a new ADC copy. Sorry I have nothing more encouraging for you.
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