Original item. Only One Available. This is a very nice French style double barrel pinfire pistol, made by well-known maker Paul Berjat. When this was produced around 1855, the "NEW" French "Pinfire" cartridge had just been introduced, which featured a pin extending from the rear side of the cartridge that when depressed discharged the round. These were imported in some numbers for use during the U.S. Civil war. However, the firing system was never as popular as might have been expected and by 1870 quite obsolete.

This example measures 7 1/2" in overall length with 3" barrels. The steel frame is fully engraved with foliate and floral designs, with more on the lever that breaks open the action. It features two side by side heavily rifled barrels of about 11mm caliber. Pushing the left side release button allows the barrel to tip up, putting the two pinfire chambers into the reloading position.

The pistol looks to have seen quite a bit of cleaning over the years, which has made some of the markings faint. However the P. BERJAT in an oval marking inside the barrel joint is still clear. The grip on this example is walnut, and we suspect it was replaced at some point, as it is definitely not in the typical French style.

Functionally, the pistol unfortunately does not work as intended at present. The right lock has a stuck or missing sear, so it will not hold at half or full cock. The left lock does hold at full cock, but there does not seem to be any half cock position. Also, the hidden triggers on both sides unfortunately do not properly fold away anymore.

Ideal for any overcoat pocket in nice matured condition. A great antique dating to approximately 1855 and therefore pre U.S. Civil War.

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1855
Caliber: 11mm
Ammunition Type: Pinfire Cartridge
Overall Length: 7 1/2 inches
Barrel Length: 3 inches
Action: Single
Feed System: Single Shot - Two Barrels

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.