Original Item: Only one Available. The Prussian M1850 percussion pistol was in many ways an anomaly, which despite being obsolete when it was first introduced, was one of the longest-serving military percussion pistols in Europe. Coming from the same nation that in 1836 had invented the revolutionary needle fire gun, the forerunner of all bolt action rifles, this pistol had many characteristics of obsolete flintlock pistols and appears to have used much of the same tooling in its manufacture.

The barrel is assembled from a front barrel tube, with a rear breech plug bearing the bolster and cap nipple that screws into it. The pistol also has a flat lock plate appears to have been designed for a flintlock, because it has a cutout for a flash pan, where the cap bolster sits. The design even retains the frizzen spring, now used for the pivoting nipple protector. It is for this reason that many assume that they are conversions from flintlock, however they were definitely purpose made. Yet the gun was NOT a conversion from flintlock.

This fine example is marked with a CROWN over Saarn, for the arsenal found in the Rhineland which had at one time been a Monastery. Above this is a CROWN / H proof, which is also seen very faintly on the left side of the stock. There is a CROWN / FW royal monogram where the breech plug meets the barrel, and another larger one in the left side of the stock (faint), for Prussian King Frederick William IV, who reigned 1840-1861. There are also small single letter proofs on various parts of the pistol. This example has not had the nipple protector removed, however the spring and screw that retains it have been removed, most likely due to damage. The nipple protector does not swing freely due to tension from the screw. We tested the lock, and it is functional, but does not hold at half cock due to wear on the tumbler.

The pistol is also regimentally marked on the bottom of the brass trigger guard with K. 4. 5. 100., most likely for the 4th (Westphalian) Cuirassiers "von Driesen". The marking indicates it was from the 5th squadron (eskadron), 100th weapon (waffen). This is exactly correct for the type of regimental markings that should be on this pistol.

The pistol features a very nice walnut stock, with a single brass barrel band at the front end of the stock. There is also the characteristic brass & steel trigger guard with a finger spur, and a brass butt cap. The lock side plate is iron, as is the pistol grip back strap, which definitely helped add to the strength of the stock, but also added weight. The large iron lanyard ring is still present on the butt cap, and is solidly attached.

Condition of the pistol is very good, showing a lovely patina of age. The brass components have matured to a lovely mustard color, and the iron and steel components have a lovely gray peppered look. The stock has the expected wear and small dents from service, but no major cracks or chunks missing.

Fully Cleaned and ready to display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1860
Caliber: .61 inches (pistol)
Ammunition Type:  Lead Ball & Powder with Percussion Cap
Barrel Length: 8 3/4 inches
Overall Length: 15 inches
Action: Percussion Lock
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 most US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for 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.