{"product_id":"original-u-s-civil-war-era-belgian-11mm-pinfire-double-barrel-pistol-with-hidden-triggers-circa-1855","title":"Original U.S. Civil War Era Belgian 11mm Pinfire Double Barrel Pistol with Hidden Triggers - circa 1855","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal item. Only One Available. This is a very nice French style double barrel pinfire pistol, almost certainly made in Liège, Belgium just before the U.S. Civil War. We were not able to find any markings, which is common for Belgian arms not made under contract for private purchase. The country was a gun-making powerhouse, and was already manufacturing pistols for many French companies, so they already had the designs on hand. 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. Never as popular as might have been expected and by 1870 quite obsolete.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example is fitted with a very nice fluted wood grip with a steel butt cap, and is \u003cspan\u003e8 ¾\u003c\/span\u003e\" in overall length with \u003cspan\u003e4 ½\u003c\/span\u003e\" barrels. There is a bolster for a lanyard ring as well, however the ring itself is missing, probably having fallen off long ago. The iron frame has some very simple engraving and is now bright steel, and it features two side by side smooth bore barrels of about 11mm caliber. Interestingly, the barrels look to be smoothbore, though it is possible that the rifling has worn away.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoth hammers function correctly, and at full cock the “hidden” triggers fold out, allowing firing. After this the triggers correctly lock back closed. Pushing the left side release button allows the barrel to tip up, putting the two pinfire chambers into the reloading position. There is no sight of any type, indicating this was intended for close range use.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition is good, though it definitely shows quite a bit of wear and cleaning over the years. The exterior is bright steel, with areas of past pitting now cleaned away. The hammers especially show some erosion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal for any overcoat or uniform pocket, in working order and nice matured condition. A great antique dating to approximately 1855 and therefore pre U.S. Civil War.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYear of Manufacture: circa 1855\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCaliber: 11mm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAmmunition Type: Pinfire Cartridge\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOverall Length: 8 ¾ inches\u003cbr\u003eBarrel Length: 4 ½ inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAction: Single\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeed System: Single Shot - Two Barrels\u003c\/span\u003e\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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41982989107269,"sku":"ONJR23AOCT028","price":595.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR23AOCT028__01.jpg?v=1726874675","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-civil-war-era-belgian-11mm-pinfire-double-barrel-pistol-with-hidden-triggers-circa-1855","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}