Original Item: Only One Available. This lovely double barreled brass vest pocket percussion pistol was made in Liège, Belgium, almost certainly for the European and American export markets. These were quite popular for self-protection, and having two barrels definitely would give the owner increased protection whilst in their vest pocket. Pistols like this were equally at home on dark Streets of New York or of London in Victorian England. It features some lovely floral designs engraved into the sides of the frame, as well as a substantial "flat bottom" grip. As we often see, there is no maker name, which was often intended to be added the retailer.

The smoothbore barrels measure 3" in length, and as this pistol is brass, the barrels and action are one continuous piece, without the "screw off" barrels we often see on boxlock pistols of this type. The bottom of the right barrel is marked with serial 197, while the left barrel has initials MO, possibly for the maker. The left side of the gun by the cap nipple bolster is marked with a CROWN / N Belgian inspection mark, as well the E / L G / * in an Oval proof, indicating manufacture in Liège, Belgium. We checked the bores, and there is past oxidation and fouling on the interior and like most that we see. The pistol measures 7 77/8" overall, and features a very nice wooden "flat bottom" style grip, which is very comfortable to hold. There is some chipping on the left side by the action, but no other damage

Condition of the pistol is very good, showing a lovely mellow patina on the brass, which does show signs of cleaning over the years, which have made the edges of the barrel facets a bit rounded. The engraved floral designs on the sides of the "boxlock" frame are still well retained, as is the engraving on the iron trigger guard. There is powder burn on the cap nipple cone bolsters and cones, which look to be original, and there is also some verdigris present around them. Both hammers will still cock and dry fire, however neither has the provision for a half cock position.

A very nice early Victorian Era brass self defense pistol, ready to Display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1840
Bore Diameter: about .40"
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder with Percussion Cap
Overall Length: 7 7/8 inches
Barrel Length: 3 inches
Action: Percussion Box Lock - 2 hammers
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 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.