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 .22 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, however this example is relatively standard, with wooden grips, most likely walnut. Based on the shape, we believe them to be 20th century replacements.

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 23319 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 barrel cluster exterior is very nice, showing a light gray polished patina from cleaning, with a bit of past peppering in a few areas. Like most we see, the plating on the frame is almost completely worn away, only retained on the interior and inside the breech. It shows an overall lovely "mustard" patina. The replaced flat bottom grip is in great shape, showing only light wear since it was fitted.

The advance lever for the rotating firing pin works great on this example, and we did notice any failures to advance or other mechanical issues. The hammer does not however have a half cock position, so the position is most likely worn away. The bores on the barrels are all clear, and all are in very good condition, showing a mostly bright finish with clear lands and grooves. There is some past fouling and oxidation, now removed, so the gun looks to have been well cared for. The barrel slides forward correctly when the button under the front frame is depressed, and then correctly locks back into place.

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

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1870
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: This gun is NOT considered obsolete calibre, so we are not able to ship to the United Kingdom. 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.

Note: This gun is NOT considered obsolete calibre, so we are not able to ship to the United Kingdom.

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.