Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This lovely continental style percussion pistol was almost certainly made in Liège, Belgium for the European and American export markets. These were quite popular for self-protection, and were patterned after the typical French style, albeit more utilitarian. Pistols like this were equally at home on dark Streets of New York or of London in Victorian England.
The smoothbore barrel measures just over 4" in length, and has grooves on the muzzle so it can be unscrewed, however it is currently seized. It is marked 5 on the bottom of the receiver and on the barrel, so that they could be matched again if separated, and there are no other marks that we can see. It looks like at some point after production, someone added a wooden cleaning rod with two iron fittings to hold it. These were unfortunately not that well executed, and the front fitting actually intrudes a bit into the bore. The pistol measures 8 ¾" overall, there are no other markings we can see besides the proofs. The pistol features a very nice wooden "bag" style grip, which is very comfortable to hold. It features scalloping near the frame, in the typical Belgian fashion.
Condition is very good overall, showing a lovely matured patina on the metalwork. The wooden grip shows wear, but not to an extreme amount. The wooden ramrod is also in good shape. The box lock is functional, however it does not currently hold at half cock. We checked the bore, and it definitely is worn, showing oxidation and fouling from significant use.
A very nice early Victorian Era self defense pistol, ready to research and display!
Specifications:
Year of Manufacture: circa 1845
Bore Diameter: about .39"
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder with Percussion Cap
Overall Length: 8 ¾ inches
Barrel Length: 4 inches
Action: Percussion Box Lock - 2 hammers
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded
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- This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey
This product is available for international shipping.
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.
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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.
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