{"product_id":"original-belgian-brass-barreled-vest-percussion-pistol-marked-to-p-lavaelt-rio-de-janeiro-with-ivory-grip","title":"Original Belgian Brass Barreled Vest Percussion Pistol marked to P. LaVaelt - Rio de Janeiro with Ivory Grip","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely utilitarian iron-framed pocket percussion pistol, which features a lovely brass \"cannon\" style barrel. Made in Liège, Belgium for the European and American export markets, these were quite popular for self-protection, often worn in the vest pocket. Pistols like this were equally at home on dark Streets of New York or of London in Victorian England.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example however looks to have been sent to the South American market, and is marked on the left side of the box lock with the retailer in Brazil:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eP. LAVAELT \u0026amp; Cie\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRIO DE JANEIRO\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe have not been able to find anything about this retailer, and leave it as a great research project.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe smoothbore barrel measures about 3 1\/8\" in length, and most likely originally could unscrew from the frame, but is currently frozen. The pistol measures 7 1\/4\" overall, perfect for an overcoat or vest pocket. It is marked on the left side with \u003cstrong\u003eE \/ L G \/ *\u003c\/strong\u003e in an oval, indicating manufacture in Liège, Belgium. The pistol features a very nice contoured Ivory \"bag\" style grip, which is very comfortable to hold. It shows lovely cracks and discoloration, only achieved after decades. The cap on the grip is plated brass, with a \"Lion\" mask iron top to the end compartment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition of the revolver is good, showing that it definitely did see significant use during its service life. The receiver area shows past oxidation and cleaning, which has made the markings a bit faint. The hammer and cap nipple cone show some powder burn from use. The pistol functions, though it does not hold at half cock. The fold out trigger works, but must folded back up after firing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA very nice early Era self defense pistol, ready to Display!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYear of Manufacture: circa 1850\u003cbr\u003eBore Diameter: about .43\"\u003cbr\u003eAmmunition Type: Lead Ball \u0026amp; Powder with Percussion Cap\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 7 1\/4 inches\u003cbr\u003eBarrel Length: 3 1\/8 inches\u003cbr\u003eAction: Percussion Box Lock\u003cbr\u003eFeed System: Muzzle-Loaded\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40575556026437,"sku":"ONJR23NSG020","price":995.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR23NSG020__01.jpg?v=1684142123","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-belgian-brass-barreled-vest-percussion-pistol-marked-to-p-lavaelt-rio-de-janeiro-with-ivory-grip","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}