Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original German single shot percussion pocket pistol with a compact bag style wooden grip, 3" octagonal smoothbore barrel, matching serial number 154, and German Crown / Crown / U proof markings. Styled after earlier French and Belgian pocket pistols, It was produced circa 1870 and then later proofed after implementation of the German national proof system in 1893.

This is an antique black powder firearm manufactured before 1899. Under federal law, it may generally be owned within the United States without a special license or permit and does not require transfer through a Federal Firearms Licensee. However, state and local laws may vary. This firearm is sold solely as a historical collector’s item and has not been test fired or inspected for firing safety by a professional gunsmith. Any mechanical or bore observations provided below describe only its present condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that the firearm is safe to load or fire. The purchaser is solely responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

This compact pistol follows the simple Continental pocket pistol form widely used for personal protection. It measures approximately 7 5/8" overall and has a 3" octagonal smoothbore barrel threaded into the receiver. The muzzle incorporates internal grooves intended to provide purchase for unscrewing the barrel, though the barrel is presently frozen in place and was not forced.

The right side of the frame and barrel carry German proof markings:

Crown
Crown
U

The Double Crown over U was the German Untersuchung, or final inspection, mark used under the national proof system introduced by the 1891 Proof Law, which means the pistol was resold in the late 19th century, which required proof of older pistols before going to market.

The serial number:

154

is present on both the left side of the barrel and the frame. No maker name or additional identifying marks were located during inspection.

The pistol has a rounded wooden bag style grip that fits comfortably in the hand. Its design is relatively restrained, without the extensive engraving or scalloped decoration often encountered on more elaborate Continental pocket pistols.

The barrel appears originally to have been blued, while the frame and action were likely left bright. Approximately 25% of the barrel blue remains, concentrated mainly toward the upper muzzle area. The frame and action have developed an aged gray surface with scattered peppering and old oxidation, particularly on the right side around the percussion nipple where powder residue would have accumulated.

The nipple remains present and is in very good visible condition. The lock currently functions during manual inspection, holding at half cock and releasing from full cock. The trigger pull is notably heavy. These observations describe only the pistol’s present mechanical condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that it is safe to load or fire.

With its compact single shot configuration, bag style wooden grip, 3" octagonal removable barrel, matching serial number 154, surviving blue, and German Crown / Crown / U proof marks, this is an interesting example of a later 19th century German percussion pocket pistol made in the older Continental style. The frozen barrel, scattered oxidation, powder related peppering, worn finish, and heavy trigger pull are all fully disclosed. It would fit especially well in a German pocket pistol, Continental percussion arm, late black powder era, or advanced antique handgun collection.

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1860
Bore Diameter: about .40"
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder with Percussion Cap
Overall Length: 7 3/4 inches
Barrel Length: 3 inches
Action: Percussion Box Lock - 2 hammers
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded
Federal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique

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.