Original Item: Only One Available. Here we have a lovely late Victorian era Belgian made "Parlor" Pistol, designed to us a .38cal projectile of some sort, with a percussion cap providing all of the propelling force. At the time, as strange as it might seem today, indoor shooting at home or in a shooting parlor was relatively common. Special small caliber low propellant load rifles and pistols were designed, and this is one such example, which looks to be very well made. We were not able to locate markings of any kind, but the style is definitely typical of those made in Liège, Belgium.

The pistol itself is quite long, probably intended to be rested on something while fired. There is a brass tube under the 14 1/2" long barrel, which contains a wooden loading rammer. The pistol measures an impressive 18 1/4" long, with a crescent shaped wooden pistol grip. There is a brass fitting on the front of the frame under the ramrod tube, which we assume is just some type of fastener. We tested the action of the pistol, and it is fully functional, though it does not have any provision for a half cock position. There is a relatively large inlet around the cap nipple cone, probably for using larger than regular caps to launch the projectile.

Overall condition is very good, with a lovely patina, and it would make an interesting addition to any firearms collection. Definitely an interesting piece of firearms history!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1880
Caliber: .38cal
Ammunition Type: ball with percussion cap
Overall Length: 18 1/4 inches
Barrel Length: 14 1/2 inches
Action: Percussion Top Action
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 all 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.