Original Item: One-of-a-Kind. This is an exceptionally rare and visually striking mid-19th-century double-barrel percussion knife pistol made in the distinctive style associated with French gunsmith Joseph-Célestin Dumonthier. Combining an 8 1/8-inch clip-point Bowie-style blade with two concealed percussion pistols, a sculpted German silver grip, engraved acanthus decoration, retracting triggers, and cleverly disguised hammers forming part of the crossguard, this is one of the most unusual European combination weapons we have encountered.

No maker’s marks, proof marks, serial numbers, or identifying inscriptions were located, so the precise manufacturer and country of origin cannot be established conclusively. The workmanship and form are consistent with French or Belgian production from approximately 1850, and the weapon closely follows the double-barrel hunting knife pistol design patented by Dumonthier in Paris in 1840. A related Dumonthier combination hunting dagger and double-barrel percussion pistol made for Emperor Maximilian of Mexico is preserved by the Art Institute of Chicago, illustrating the prestige and quality associated with this distinctive class of combination arm.

The Dumonthier Combination Weapon

Joseph-Célestin Dumonthier became renowned for ingenious combination arms that incorporated pistols into knives, swords, walking sticks, and other objects. His designs transformed the traditional hunting knife pistol into a far more elegant and compact weapon by integrating the locks, hammers, barrels, and trigger system directly into the grip and guard. Dumonthier continued developing unusual firearms during the 19th century, and surviving examples of his work are represented in major museum and reference collections.

Combination weapons had existed in Europe for centuries and were often associated with hunting, personal defense, travel, and specialized military use. Earlier hunting examples frequently incorporated long blades intended to dispatch wounded boar or other dangerous game at close range. Dumonthier’s design reduced the size of the weapon while creating an exceptionally streamlined and sophisticated mechanism that could be carried as both a knife and a two-shot percussion pistol.

Because this example is entirely unmarked, it is described as Dumonthier style rather than conclusively attributed to his workshop. It may have been made by Dumonthier, by an associated workshop, or by another French or Belgian gunmaker producing a closely related version of his successful design.

Double-Barrel Percussion Mechanism

The weapon incorporates two parallel muzzle-loading percussion barrels positioned on either side of the upper portion of the blade. Each barrel measures approximately 3 inches and has a bore diameter of approximately .34 caliber.

The upper arms of the crossguard function as the hammers. When lowered, they conceal and protect the percussion nipples, preserving the streamlined appearance of the knife. Pulling either hammer rearward exposes the corresponding nipple and prepares that barrel for firing.

The pistol uses a concealed trigger located on the right side of the grip. The trigger remains recessed until the right hammer is cocked, at which point it projects outward and becomes accessible.

When both hammers are cocked, the mechanism fires the right barrel first. The trigger must then return forward before it can release the left hammer. The left hammer can also be cocked separately after the right barrel has been fired.

Neither hammer has a half-cock position. This appears consistent with the compact design of the mechanism rather than evidence of a missing safety notch.

The linked back-action locks are concealed within the grip. The mechanism operates correctly, and no obvious mechanical deficiencies were observed. However, due to the weapon’s age, rarity, and unusual internal construction, it should be handled gently and should not be dry fired unnecessarily.

Bowie-Style Clip-Point Blade

The weapon is fitted with a dramatic single-edged clip-point blade measuring approximately 8 1/8 inches. Its strong clipped profile resembles the blade form widely associated with the American Bowie knife, although the pistol itself is European.

Dumonthier-style knife pistols were produced with a wide variety of blades, including leaf-shaped hunting blades, double-edged spear points, straight daggers, and other forms selected to suit the taste or intended use of the customer. The substantial clip-point blade fitted to this example gives the weapon an especially imposing appearance and makes it visually distinct from the more commonly encountered spear-point variations.

The blade remains solidly attached and appears to extend deeply into the grip in a full-tang or near-full-tang configuration. It is not presently sharp, although the strong point and rigid construction suggest it was intended primarily for thrusting rather than for fine cutting.

The blade retains a mostly bright surface with scattered oxidation, peppering, scratches, discoloration, and light evidence of earlier cleaning. The metal surfaces have not been polished excessively, and the blade retains an attractive aged appearance.

Engraved German Silver Grip

The curved grip is made from German silver, also commonly known as nickel silver, and is formed from two fitted side panels secured by three screws. German silver contains copper, nickel, and zinc rather than actual silver, but its bright appearance and resistance to corrosion made it a popular decorative material for high-quality 19th-century arms.

Both sides of the grip are engraved with elegant scrolling acanthus leaves. The engraving remains crisp and clearly defined, with only light wear from age and handling.

The grip has developed a pleasing soft gray patina with areas of darker oxidation in the recesses of the decoration. This contrast highlights the engraved design and gives the weapon a particularly attractive period appearance.

The sculpted curve of the grip fits naturally in the hand and conceals the linked internal locks. The weapon feels solid, and no loose grip panels, screws, blade components, or major structural issues were observed.

Metal Condition

The barrels, crossguard, and hammer surfaces display an attractive peppered brown and gray patina with scattered oxidation. The blade shows less oxidation and remains substantially brighter than the other steel components.

The engraving on the German silver grip remains exceptionally well preserved, and the combination of bright grip metal, darkened steel furniture, and polished blade creates a very appealing contrast.

There are no visible modern markings or alterations. The weapon displays the age, finish variation, and hand-fitted construction expected of a high-quality mid-19th-century European combination arm.

Significance

Original Dumonthier and Dumonthier-style knife pistols are among the most fascinating and desirable European firearms curiosa. They combine fine gunmaking, cutlery, mechanical ingenuity, personal defense, and decorative metalwork into one exceptionally compact weapon.

This example is especially appealing because of its two-shot percussion system, substantial Bowie-style clip-point blade, concealed trigger, functioning internal mechanism, crisp engraved German silver grip, and strong overall condition. The absence of markings prevents a definitive maker attribution, but the construction closely follows the form patented and popularized by Dumonthier.

Major institutional collections preserve Dumonthier combination weapons, including the Art Institute of Chicago’s elaborate hunting dagger pistol associated with Emperor Maximilian of Mexico and the National Firearms Museum’s Dumonthier dagger revolver. These museum examples demonstrate the historical importance and enduring collector fascination surrounding Dumonthier’s highly inventive combination arms.

We have never previously had the opportunity to offer another percussion knife pistol of this form. Its rarity, mechanical complexity, imposing blade, elegant engraving, and dramatic appearance make it an outstanding acquisition for an advanced collection of European pistols, Bowie knives, percussion arms, combination weapons, or firearms curiosa.

A remarkable mid-19th-century combination weapon whose concealed double-barrel percussion mechanism, engraved German silver grip, and powerful Bowie-style blade make it one of the most unusual and visually compelling antique pistols we have encountered.

Specifications:
Probable Origin: France or Belgium
Period: Circa 1850
Type: Dumonthier-Style Double-Barrel Percussion Knife Pistol
Maker: Unmarked
Bore Diameter: Approximately .34" on Both Barrels
Ammunition Type: Loose Powder and Lead Ball with Percussion Cap
Overall Length: Approximately 13 1/4"
Blade Length: Approximately 8 1/8"
Blade Style: Single-Edged Clip-Point Bowie Style
Barrel Length: Approximately 3"
Number of Barrels: Two
Action: Concealed Back-Action Percussion Locks with Two Hammers
Trigger: Retracting Trigger on Right Side

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