{"product_id":"original-early-american-federal-period-engraved-boxlock-38-cal-flintlock-pocket-pistol-with-working-turn-off-barrel-circa-1800","title":"Original Early American Federal Period Engraved Boxlock .38 Cal Flintlock Pocket Pistol with Working Turn-Off Barrel - Circa 1800","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA wonderful addition to any collection of early American firearms, flintlock pistols, or 18th and early 19th-century personal defense weapons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpecifications:\u003cbr\u003eYear of Manufacture: Circa 1800\u003cbr\u003eCaliber: Approximately .38\u003cbr\u003eAmmunition Type: Lead Ball \u0026amp; Powder\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 5 7\/8 inches\u003cbr\u003eBarrel Length: 1 3\/8 inches\u003cbr\u003eAction: Flintlock Top Action\u003cbr\u003eFeed System: Muzzle-Loaded\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNOTE: 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45304158060613,"sku":"ONJR26MYAS061","price":695.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/CB72967C-A645-48A8-BFBD-BEC84ADCE3DD.jpg?v=1783371948","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-early-american-federal-period-engraved-boxlock-38-cal-flintlock-pocket-pistol-with-working-turn-off-barrel-circa-1800","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}