Original item. Only One Available. This is a very nice British Belgian style double barrel pinfire pistol, almost certainly made in Liège, Belgium during the Victorian Era. The only marking we could find was a British London proof on the side of the right barrel, Crown over V, for "Viewed", which is common for Belgian arms not made under contract for private purchase. The country was a gun-making powerhouse, and was already manufacturing pistols for many French companies, so they already had the designs on hand. The "NEW" French "Pinfire" cartridge had just been introduced, which featured a pin extending from the rear side of the cartridge that when depressed discharged the round. Never as popular as might have been expected and by 1870 quite obsolete.

This example is fitted with a very nice fluted wood grip with scallops at the top, and is roughly 8" in overall length with 3⅝" barrels. The iron frame has some very simple engraving and is now bright steel, and it features two side by side smooth bore barrels of about 7mm caliber.

The pistol is reloaded via a tip-up break-action, released by the latch hugging the front of trigger guard. The barrels are both rifled, with still-visible lands & grooves, although there is past pitting and oxidation. Both hammers function correctly, the break-action not opening until the barrels are at half-cock. The two triggers are within the trigger guard, one further back. There is no sight of any type, indicating this was intended for close range use.

Condition is good, though it definitely shows quite a bit of wear and cleaning over the years. The exterior is bright steel, with areas of past pitting now cleaned away. The hammers are nicely engraved with eyes, giving the appearance of a serpent or snake. A great little detail. 

Ideal for any overcoat or uniform pocket, in working order and nice matured condition. A great antique dating to approximately 1855.

Specifications:
Year of Manufacture: circa 1855
Caliber: 7mm
Ammunition Type: Pinfire Cartridge
Overall Length: 8 inches
Barrel Length: 3⅝ inches
Action: Single
Feed System: Single Shot - Two Barrels

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.