Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original Victorian era British single shot percussion belt pistol by John Blanch & Son of London, dating to approximately 1850. It features an unusual side hammer action, rear hammer safety, 3" belt hook, captured ramrod, extensively engraved iron furniture, finely checkered grip, and a 4 1/4" octagonal smoothbore barrel measuring approximately .535" at the bore, or about 30 bore.

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.

The top of the barrel is clearly maker marked:

J. BLANCH & SON 29 GRACECHURCH S'T LONDON.

John Blanch operated from 29 Gracechurch Street in London before the business became John Blanch & Son in 1835. The firm continued at this address until 1865, placing this percussion pistol comfortably within the Victorian period.

The pistol measures approximately:

9 7/8" overall
4 1/4" barrel
Approximately .535" smoothbore, or about 30 bore

The octagonal barrel carries decorative engraving around the muzzle and breech area. The rounded iron action, breech, frame sides, upper surfaces, and trigger guard are extensively decorated with finely executed acanthus leaf and banknote style engraving.

The side mounted percussion hammer is likewise engraved and represents an unusual configuration compared with the more commonly encountered top hammer arrangement on compact percussion pistols. A safety is mounted behind the hammer.

The safety appears to engage only when the hammer is nearly fully forward, holding it slightly away from the percussion cap position. The lock itself currently holds at half cock and releases from full cock. These observations describe only the pistol’s present mechanical condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that it is safe to load or fire.

A captured ramrod is fitted beneath the barrel and remains with the pistol. A 3" iron belt hook is mounted along the left side of the frame for carrying the pistol at the waist.

The iron butt cap is engraved around its edge and incorporates a small storage compartment, likely intended for patches, projectiles, or other small accessories. An oval escutcheon, appearing to be silver, is inset into the rear of the grip.

The underside of the iron frame near the barrel junction carries London proof marks:

CROWN / GP
CROWN / V

corresponding to the London "Gunmakers" black powder proof and viewed markings.

The shaped wooden grip is finely checkered and remains in very good condition. The checkering remains well defined, and no major cracks, chips, or structural repairs are noted.

Overall condition is very good, with substantial surviving original finish, crisp engraving, sound wood, and a complete captured ramrod and belt hook assembly. The metal surfaces show normal age patina and handling wear but retain strong definition throughout.

With its J. Blanch & Son Gracechurch Street marking, unusual side hammer percussion action, 30 bore smoothbore barrel, engraved iron furniture, hammer safety, belt hook, captured ramrod, storage butt cap, and finely checkered grip, this is a particularly well appointed mid 19th century British belt pistol. It would fit especially well in a Victorian sporting pistol, London gunmaker, percussion belt pistol, or advanced British firearms collection.

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1840
Maker: John Blanch & Son
Bore Diameter: .535" - 30 Bore
Ammunition Type: Cap & Ball
Barrel Length: 4 1/4 inches
Overall Length: 9 7/8 inches
Action: Side-Action Percussion "Box-Lock"
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.