Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very attractive pre-Victorian British .45 caliber rifled percussion pistol, dated 1836 on its elaborately engraved back action lock and apparently signed W. Facot. Measuring approximately 11 1/8" overall, it features a substantial 7" octagonal twist barrel, seven groove rifling, extensive acanthus scroll engraving, contrasting German silver furniture, and a particularly unusual fish or sea serpent motif engraved into the hammer. It is accompanied by a later custom fitted wooden case with bullet mold, powder flask, and round balls.

This is an antique black powder firearm manufactured before 1899. Under federal law, it may generally be owned within the United States without a special license or permit and does not require transfer through a Federal Firearms Licensee. However, state and local laws may vary. This firearm is sold solely as a historical collector’s item and has not been test fired or inspected for firing safety by a professional gunsmith. Any mechanical or bore observations provided below describe only its present condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that the firearm is safe to load or fire. The purchaser is solely responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

The pistol measures approximately:

11 1/8" overall
7" octagonal barrel
Approximately .45" rifled bore

The heavy octagonal barrel carries a very attractive visible twist pattern and is engraved along the top flat:

London Fine Twisted

This wording was a quality or trade description applied to twist forged barrels and should not by itself be interpreted as a London proof or as proof that the pistol was manufactured in London. In fact, removal of the barrel reveals definitive Birmingham proof and view marks on the underside.

These consist of the crowned crossed scepters incorporating:

BPC

for Birmingham definitive proof and:

V

for the Birmingham view mark. This form of crossed scepters proof was introduced with the establishment of the Birmingham Proof House in 1813 and is entirely appropriate for a pistol dated 1836.

The bore measures approximately .45" at the muzzle and retains seven groove rifling. The grooves remain deep and well defined, although there is wear to the lands together with old oxidation and black powder fouling remaining in the grooves. Much of the interior is therefore dark, but the original rifling remains readily visible.

The pistol uses a finely engraved back action percussion lock. The lock plate carries flowing acanthus or bank note style scrollwork and is inscribed in highly stylized script:

W - Facot
1836

The lettering is difficult to read, but comparison with another documented period percussion pistol is particularly interesting. An auction catalog records a 7" octagonal Damascus barreled percussion pistol engraved London Fine Twisted and specifically identifies its back action lock as signed W. Facot. The close similarity in barrel length, wording, lock type, and white metal furniture strongly supports reading the present signature as W. Facot rather than W. Dacot. We have not, however, located sufficient biographical information to identify Facot confidently as the actual manufacturer rather than a gunmaker, finisher, or retailer.

The hammer and lock are richly engraved with matching acanthus scrollwork. Particularly distinctive is the upper portion of the hammer, which has been engraved with scales and eyes to resemble a fish or sea serpent. Similar engraving continues across the barrel breech and tang, while the iron trigger guard carries complementary decorative work.

The pistol is attractively fitted with what appears to be German silver or nickel silver type furniture, including the fore end cap, ramrod pipes, barrel wedge escutcheons, and small butt fitting. A matching oval escutcheon is inlet into the rear of the wrist. Contrasting silver colored bands are also inset around the breech of the barrel. Without an alloy test we cannot determine the precise composition of these white metal fittings, so German silver is used here as a period style descriptive term rather than a scientific identification.

The half stock is walnut with attractive grain and a warm aged brown color. Its profile is relatively restrained, terminating around the midpoint of the barrel rather than extending toward the muzzle. There is cracking along portions of the wood line and some wood loss around the rear of the back action lock plate. These flaws are clearly visible but do not detract significantly from the pistol's overall decorative appearance.

The steel barrel, lock, hammer, and trigger guard retain a pleasing lightly oxidized gray and brown patina. Much of the engraved decoration remains clear, while the spiral or twist pattern of the barrel is still easily visible along its length. The overall surface has an appropriately aged appearance without evidence in the description of aggressive recent polishing.

The lock remains mechanically responsive, but it has an important deficiency. The hammer will hold at both half cock and full cock, but pulling the trigger will release it from both positions. The half cock position therefore does not function as a proper safety notch. The percussion cone or nipple remains present and appears old, showing light wear and some deformation at the tip.

The pistol is accompanied by a custom wooden case measuring approximately:

13 3/8" long x 6 3/4" wide x 2 3/8" high

The interior is divided into compartments and lined with green felt showing wear from use. Based upon its construction and appearance, the case appears to be later than the pistol, probably late 19th century, and should be regarded as an associated custom display or storage case rather than an original 1836 factory casing.

Included in the case are an iron bullet mold, a bronze and copper powder flask, and a small paper box containing round balls. The front of the case has a folding latch with two loops apparently intended to accept an external padlock or similar locking device, which is not included.

With its substantial seven groove rifled 7" twist barrel, documented W. Facot style signature, 1836 date, Birmingham proofs, extensive bank note engraving, unusual fish or sea serpent hammer decoration, German silver furniture, and attractive cased presentation, this is a particularly appealing British percussion pistol from the final years before the Victorian era. Its combination of decorative quality and strong surviving barrel character would make it an excellent addition to a collection of British percussion arms, early rifled pistols, twist barreled firearms, or finely engraved sporting and travelling pistols of the 1830s.

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: 1836
Bore Diameter: .45" pistol
Ammunition Type: Cap & Ball
Barrel Length: 7 inches
Overall Length: 11 1/8 inches
Action: Side-Action Percussion "Box-Lock"
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded
Federal Classification: Antique Firearm

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.