Original item. Only One Available. Originally nickel plated, this is a very nice French style double barrel pinfire pistol, most likely made in 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 "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.

This example is fitted with a very nice French style fluted wood grip with steel butt cap, and is 8 1/2" in overall length with 4 1/2" barrels. The iron frame is moderately decorated, and it features two side by side smooth bore barrels of about 11mm caliber. Both 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.

Condition is good, though most of the original nickel plating has long worn away. The pistol also looks to have seen a lot of use, as the insides of the barrels are fouled and corroded. There is even a small hole on the top of the right barrel, which extends into the bore.

Ideal for any overcoat pocket in working order, 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: 8 1/2 inches
Barrel Length: 4 1/2 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.

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. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers". 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.