Original Item: Only One Available. This is exactly what the Mississippi gamblers carried on the River Boats after the Civil War for self protection. Featuring FOUR barrels, each in .30 Rim Fire that fired individually by way of a single action hammer with a rotating firing pin. Easy to conceal, these were very popular, and often outfitted with custom options, such as the lovely decorative grips on this example.

The barrel is slid forward for reloading by pushing down the button on the bottom of the frame and sliding the barrel forwards. The underside of the barrel is marked with serial number 52454 on the dovetail, which is also marked on the bottom of the pistol grip frame. There were several variations on this pistol, including some in .32RF with a longer barrel. This is the model 1A, with the shorter 2 1/2 inch barrel assembly in .22RF Short, light and very concealable.

The pistol is also marked on both sides of the brass frame with the address and patent information in circles around the hammer axis screw. The right side reads:

While the left has:

Overall metal finish on the barrels is a gray color, which almost looks like a zinc coating. It could also be well polished or possibly have been cleaned extensively. There is some staining and wear on the outsides of the barrel. The frame on this example actually still has about 50% of the original nickel plating, something we rarely see on these! The remaining plating does have oxidation and some bubbling, with a great worn look. Where it is worn is now a lovely mustard patina. The flat bottom grip is very nice, with two lovely black decorative composition "gutta percha" style grip scales. They show only light wear, with no cracking or chips.

The advance lever for the rotating firing pin works very well on this example, and we did not notice any mechanical issues. The bores on the barrels are all clear, and still have clear lands and grooves, though they also fouling and oxidation. The barrel slides forward correctly when the button under the front frame is depressed, and then correctly locks back into place. There is no mechanism on this example that locks the barrel in place except when at half cock.

An interesting stepping stone in 19th Century American firearms. In very nice collectible condition and ready to display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1865
Caliber: .22 Rimfire Short
Ammunition Type: Rimfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 2 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 5 inches
Action: Single
Feed System: 4 Barrel Pepperbox. Rotating Firing Pin.

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.