Original Item: Only One Available. This lovely double barreled pocket percussion pistol was made in Germany, very much in the French / Belgian style. These were quite popular for self-protection, and having two barrels definitely would give the owner increased protection. It is quite utilitarian in design, without much of the usual engraving we would see, so it was probably intended for domestic use.

The octagonal smoothbore barrels measure 3" in length, and do not have any grooves on the inside to unscrew them, as the exterior was much easier to use. Both are however currently frozen in the receiver. The bottom of the frame and the tops of both barrels are marked with CROWN / CROWN / U, a proof only used by Germany starting in the second half of the 19th century. There is also serial number 14 on the top of both barrels as well as on the frame. The bottoms of the barrels have the loading specifications, which were required to be stamped on all German guns after 1871, with previously made guns that were resold requiring remarking. The left barrel still has a complete faced marking, which originally read:

2gr N.G.P. M/71
6gr Bl.

These give the loading specifications for both the Model 1871 "Neues Gewehr Pulver" and the standard Black powder in use before. We have seen many examples of older pistols such as this which were remarked and proved after the introduction of the 1871 powder.

The pistol measures 8 1/2" 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, though it is definitely simplified, without any "scallop" ornamentation along the frame. Condition of the pistol is very good, showing a lovely polished steel finish, with some areas of past peppering, now cleaned. Both hammers will cock and dry fire, but neither holds at the half cock position when the trigger is pulled, and the right does not hold at full cock at all. The cap nipples are present, but definitely show a good amount of use.

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

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1860
Bore Diameter: about .40"
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder with Percussion Cap
Overall Length: 8 1/2 inches
Barrel Length: 3 inches
Action: Percussion Box Lock - 2 hammers
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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