Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very attractive circa 1840 British percussion overcoat pistol signed SMITH LONDON, built in the compact large bore style favored for personal protection during the early Victorian period. Measuring only 8 1/4" overall, it combines a substantial approximately .63 caliber smoothbore with a 4" octagonal twist steel barrel, captured swivel ramrod, engraved iron furniture, and a positive hammer safety. Pistols of this general large bore defensive type are often referred to by collectors as “manstopper” pistols, and this example certainly has the compact dimensions and substantial bore associated with that category.

This is an antique black powder firearm manufactured before 1899. Under federal law, it may generally be owned within the United States without a special license or permit and does not require transfer through a Federal Firearms Licensee. However, state and local laws may vary. This firearm is sold solely as a historical collector’s item and has not been test fired or inspected for firing safety by a professional gunsmith. Any mechanical or bore observations provided below describe only its present condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that the firearm is safe to load or fire. The purchaser is solely responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Compact percussion pistols of this form were produced in considerable variety by the British gun trade during the 1830s and 1840s. Often described today as overcoat, belt, traveling, or defensive pistols, they were intended to provide considerably more power than the tiny pocket pistols of the period while remaining short enough for convenient personal carry.

The top of the barrel is signed:

SMITH LONDON

The Smith name appears frequently in the 19th century British gun trade, and surviving percussion pistols are known with comparable SMITH LONDON barrel signatures. Without an address, initials, or visible maker's mark beneath the barrel, however, we have not attempted to assign this pistol to a particular member of the Smith gunmaking families.

The pistol measures approximately 8 1/4" overall and is fitted with a substantial 4" octagonal smoothbore barrel measuring approximately .63" at the muzzle.

The barrel displays a visible spiral pattern in the steel, consistent with the twist or pattern welded barrel construction widely used on quality British sporting and defensive arms of the period. The surviving pattern is still clearly evident beneath the aged gray surface.

We removed the barrel wedge and tang screw in an effort to examine the concealed breech area, but the barrel did not release readily from the stock and we did not force it. As a result, we were unable to determine whether British proof marks are present on the underside or concealed breech flats.

The pistol has a compact and relatively restrained walnut stock fitted entirely with iron furniture. There is no conventional butt cap or decorative side plate. The surviving furniture includes the ramrod pipe and an engraved iron trigger guard.

One of the most desirable practical features is the original style captured swivel ramrod. Unlike a conventional loose ramrod that could easily be dropped during hurried loading, the pivoting arrangement kept the rod physically attached to the pistol. Comparable British percussion pistols of the 1830s and 1840s frequently used this arrangement on compact traveling and defensive arms.

The lock remains mechanically functional during careful manual inspection. It holds correctly at half cock and releases from full cock.

The pistol is also fitted with a separate safety positioned to secure the hammer. When engaged at half cock, the safety prevents the hammer from moving either forward or rearward. Sliding hammer safeties and related locking arrangements were used on better quality British percussion pistols to provide an additional mechanical safeguard when the arm was carried loaded.

The bore is clear. It shows evidence of old fouling and oxidation, as would be expected from a black powder percussion pistol of this age.

The exterior metalwork has developed a very pleasing light gray aged patina from long use and past cleaning. The twist pattern of the barrel remains visible, giving the pistol considerable visual character. We did not observe major destructive corrosion on the exposed surfaces.

The walnut stock remains in good overall condition and displays some attractive natural figure. It does, however, have two areas of significant damage that should be noted.

A section of wood is missing from the forward right side of the stock adjacent to the barrel wedge.

There is also a crack beginning on the left side near the breech and extending through the lock screw area toward the trigger guard. The crack is clearly visible and should be considered when handling the pistol.

With its substantial approximately .63 caliber bore, compact 8 1/4" overall length, SMITH LONDON signature, twist steel barrel, captured ramrod, engraved iron furniture, and functioning hammer safety, this is a particularly appealing example of the large bore British percussion pistols carried for personal protection during the early Victorian era. Its honest condition and surviving mechanical features make it especially suitable for a collection of British percussion arms, overcoat and traveling pistols, early Victorian firearms, or compact 19th century defensive weapons.

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1840
Maker: Smith of London
Bore Diameter: .535" - 30 Bore
Ammunition Type: Cap & Ball
Barrel Length: 4 inches
Overall Length: 8 1/4 inches
Action: Side-Action Percussion
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded
Federal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique

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 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.