Original Item: Only one available. This is a lovely compact Irish flintlock pistol in a very large 0.65" bore with a heavy walled barrel. These were often called "man stoppers" as they were intended for relatively close range use, firing a large bullet that would knock a grown man over. This example is marked Dempsey on the lock plate, for known Dublin, Ireland gunsmith William Dempsey, who worked approximately 1790-1820. We have found several other examples of these compact large bore "man stopper" pistols by this maker.

Measuring 10 3/4 inches overall with a 6 inch heavy walled round barrel, this pistol is all brass mounted, and features a very nice "captured" ramrod under the barrel, similar to cavalry pistols of the era. It is very utilitarian in design, with minimal appointments, definitely intended for self defense and not as a "showpiece". However it still does have some nice simple engraving on the lock, which also has a roller on the frizzen spring, definitely an upmarket appointment. The lock is functional, however the tumbler is worn, so it does not hold at half cock.

The stock is a simple design, and in very good shape, though it does show cracking near the muzzle and around the rear of the lock plate, both common areas for this type of damage. It does look to have seen a fair amount of use during its service life.

A lovely "man stopping" pistol from a known maker in Dublin, Ireland, ready to research and display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1820
Caliber: .65" pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 6 inches
Overall Length: 10 3/4 inches
Action: Percussion lock side 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.