Original Item: Only One Available. This pistol was beautifully made for probably "in home" Target Shooting, a fad sweeping Europe at the time. It is marked on the top of the barrel with what we assume is the makers name and location: R. JENNI = WYSS à WORB, which we believe references the town of Worb, Switzerland. There were many gunsmiths throughout Europe who made bespoke target pistols such as these, and it shows a very high level of original manufacture.

The pistol features an octagonal barrel of 8" and measuring 14 1/4" in overall length, with a caliber of around 0.37". The bore has six groove rifling, and is in very good shape, showing clear lands and grooves with a mostly bright finish. The bottom of the box lock is fitted with a large iron trigger guard with finger rest enclosing two set triggers, fairly standard for target pistols. These however operate in a peculiar way that essentially requires cocking the hammer twice but gives a very fine trigger pull. A very finicky system, but when properly set up the slightest pressure on the trigger causes the hammer to fire.

The rear of the pistol is fitted with a high quality Walnut checkered grip, terminating in a brass & nickel butt cap compartment, in which percussion caps could be stored. No fore end wood whatsoever, as these were intended to be shot single handed. The front of the barrel has a lovely "globe" style front sight, and there is an adjustable rear sight on the rear.

Most attractive and clearly a very expensive pistol in 1860. Nice collectible condition.

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: 1860
Caliber: .37" Pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 8 Inches
Overall Length: 14 1/4 Inches
Action: Back Action Percussion Box Lock with Set Trigger
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.