Item Description
This very Pepperbox was featured and test fired on an episode of History Channel's Pawn Stars in November 2023. Watch it live fire on the episode below:
Original Item: Only One Available. This is a large caliber fantastic example of the unusual system known as the PEPPERBOX. The muzzle is similar to the business end of a Pepper Shaker of the the early days of Queen Victoria. All six barrels are contained in one solid "tube" or cylinder of steel revolving as a unit. The system was quickly superseded with the design of the traditional revolver, using a rotating chamber and a single barrel in the 1840-1850s. Pepper boxes as such were short lived with the possible exception in France and Belgium, where examples using the Pin Fire and Rimfire systems were made into the late 1870's.
This is a G.L. Richardson manufactured Improved Revolving Pistol which was manufactured approximately between 1840-1850. The gun’s markings indicate the gun was manufactured by the Scottish gunsmith G. L. Richardson of Liverpool and it has Birmingham proof marks of CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / BPC "black powder proof" and CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / V "viewed" marks from the city of Birmingham, stamped on the breech end of the cylinder flutes. This city was well known for its firearms industry, which supplied many guns to smaller gun shops and outfitters.
The frame is solid Cupro Nickel alloy, usually called Nickel Silver or "German Silver". Somewhat more resilient than brass, we have rarely seen this used as a frame material, as it is slightly harder to work with. The lock has lovely foliate engraving on both sides, and there is additional engraving around the frame of the "bag" shaped grip. The trigger guard has the same type of engraving, and there is even engraving on the hammer as well. This is definitely a high quality upmarket example.
The finish on the metalwork is excellent, with the nickel silver parts showing hardly zero oxidation. The trigger still shows most of the original bright steel finish, with some staining, and the trigger guard has a lovely blued finish. The hammer and cylinder are case hardened, and still show a lot of the original "rainbow" finish that the process is known for producing. The grip scales look to be walnut, and have a lovely color and a nice finish. We tested the the pistol by liver firing it, and it functions beautifully, and does not have any issues with indexing or cycling.
The Pepper box is exactly what a Victorian Gentleman might have concealed in his Coat pocket to deal with the then all too common Foot Pads and Brigands. Nicely engraved decoration, showing old pitting scars on the barrels and the trigger guard.
Ready to display!
Specifications:
Year of Manufacture: circa 1840
Caliber: .41"
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 3 3/8 inches
Overall Length: 8 1/4 inches
Action: Double Only
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver
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.
- This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey
This product is available for international shipping.
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.
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