Original Item. Only One Available. This is a lovely iron framed "boxlock" style percussion vest pocket pistol dating to approximately 1845, unmarked but almost certainly made in Liège, Belgium. It features a turn off barrel and hidden trigger, and is highly decorated! The frame is engraved on all sides with acanthus leaf decorations, and the barrel shows a lovely "Damascus" texture, though we do not know if it is actually spiral forged or just simulated. It has a lovely wooden "bag" grip, very typical of Belgian pistols from this period.

The weapon measures 8 1/4" in overall length with a screw off 3 7/8" smooth bored .43" caliber octagonal iron "turn-off" barrel, which in very good condition, showing signs of moderate use. There is past oxidation and fouling on the interior and like most that we see, the breech joint is frozen, so it can no longer be unscrewed for reloading. It has the usual deep grooves at the muzzle to aid in unscrewing the barrel. As mentioned previously, there are no maker markings on the pistol, but there is a serial 1259 stamped on the bottom of the frame.

The frame, action and barrel show a lovely oxidized finish, with the original decorative engraving well preserved, and just a bit of light peppering in areas. The grip is in very good shape, showing staining from use, and possibly some cracking along the grain on the left side. The pistol functions correctly, with the hidden trigger folding out only when the hammer is fully cocked, after which the action can be dry fired. It must be manually returned forward once the lock is fired.

A great Belgian percussion pocket pistol, suitable for any Gentleman or Military Officer. Ready to display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1840
Caliber: .50" Pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 3 7/8 inches
Overall Length: 8 1/4 inches
Action: Percussion Boxlock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.