Original Item: Only One Available. This is a wonderful example of what we believe to be an early American Federal Period flintlock pocket pistol dating to circa 1800. Compact personal defense pistols such as this were extremely popular at the turn of the 19th century, carried by gentlemen, travelers, merchants, and citizens who required a small but effective firearm for protection.

This pistol follows the classic British and Western European boxlock design that was widely copied and produced by early American gunsmiths. It features a compact iron boxlock frame, top-mounted cocking piece, engraved decoration, and a flat-sided wooden grip. Measuring only 5 7/8 inches overall, it is a true pocket pistol from the final years of the flintlock era.

Unlike European-made examples, this pistol does not display any proof marks or maker markings. While European countries such as Britain maintained formal proof house systems requiring inspection markings, the United States had no such proof house requirement for civilian firearms. The complete lack of proof marks, combined with its construction style, strongly suggests early American manufacture.

The pistol features an all-iron frame with attractive period engraving that remains very well retained. These engraved details add tremendous character and reflect the craftsmanship often seen on higher-quality personal arms of this period.

One especially desirable feature is the 1 3/8 inch smoothbore turn-off barrel chambered in approximately .38 caliber. Unlike most surviving examples where the barrel has become permanently seized after more than two centuries, this barrel still screws on and off properly. This is a very uncommon feature to find functional today and greatly adds to the appeal of the pistol.

The action remains mechanically functional, and the frizzen opens and closes easily. The lock does release from both half cock and full cock due to internal wear, which is not unusual for a flintlock pistol that is over 200 years old.

The flat-sided wooden grip remains in great condition, showing only the expected light handling wear from age and use. There is a crack at the upper rear of the grip near the action, but the grip presents beautifully and retains an excellent period appearance.

The iron metalwork displays a lovely aged patina with evidence of past peppering, exactly the type of honest surface expected on an authentic early 19th-century firearm. The decorative engraving on the frame remains very attractive and gives the pistol excellent display presence.

Overall, this is a charming and increasingly difficult-to-find early American Federal Period flintlock pocket pistol. With its engraved boxlock frame, compact personal-defense design, and especially its rare still-functional turn-off barrel, this is a fantastic survivor from the earliest years of the United States.

A wonderful addition to any collection of early American firearms, flintlock pistols, or 18th and early 19th-century personal defense weapons.

Specifications:
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1800
Caliber: Approximately .38
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Overall Length: 5 7/8 inches
Barrel Length: 1 3/8 inches
Action: Flintlock Top Action
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.