Original Item: Only One Available. This is a truly lovely example of the unusual system known as the "PEPPERBOX". The muzzle is similar to the business end of a Pepper Pot 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 The system was quickly superseded with the design of the traditional revolver, using a rotating chamber and a single barrel in the 1840-1850s.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.

Our example is a definitely lovely, and it features beautiful engraving on the hammer and on the frame, which 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, however it appears that it was popular among high end pepperbox revolvers in England. This example also has VERY large bore for a percussion pepperbox, each barrel measuring 0.45" in diameter, with a smooth bore. The sides of the action have inscribed panels with the maker information listed. The left side reads:

JOHN BLISSETT 321
HIGH HOLBORN LONDON

The right side reads:

IMPROVED
REVOLVING PISTOL

The Holborn family of gunmakers worked from approximately 1800 to 1877, and had several members and some very nice designs. 

The fluted cylinder is numbered 1 to 6 on top of the barrels, while the flutes are marked with alternating CROWN / GP "Gunmaker's Proof" and CROWN / V "Viewed" markings from the London Gun Company proof house. The lock / action has lovely foliate engraving on both sides, and there is additional engraving around the frame of the "bag" shaped grip. This is definitely a high quality upmarket example.

The finish on the metalwork is excellent, with the nickel silver parts showing just a bit of oxidation. The the steel components show a lovely worn patina, with some of the original bluing retained in the recessed areas. The grip scales look to be burl walnut, and have a lovely color and a nice finish. We tested the action, and it functions beautifully, and does not appear to have any issues with indexing or cycling. There is even a catch that holds the hammer in the up position for easier loading and rotation of the cylinder.

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, and a fantastic look. Ready to display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1850
Caliber: approx .45"
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 3 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 8 3/4inches
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.

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.