Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original Victorian era German over and under double barrel percussion pocket pistol, built in the continental European style and apparently dating from the mid-19th century. The pistol has two approximately .43 caliber smoothbore barrels arranged vertically, a broad European style bag grip, matching No. 29 markings on both barrels, and later German proof and load markings indicating that the pistol remained in circulation well after its original manufacture.

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 smoothbore barrels each measure approximately 4 7/8" long, while the pistol measures about 10" overall. Their construction appears consistent with barrels intended to be unscrewed for loading, though both are currently frozen and have not been forced. The wooden bag grip is somewhat broader than many pocket pistol grips of this general type and shows honest handling wear from use.

The metalwork has extensive old oxidation and pitting, which has softened or completely obscured some of the original markings. Both barrels are marked on the left side:

29

These matching numbers may represent a serial or assembly number, though their exact factory meaning cannot be confirmed.

The right side of each barrel carries faint German proof markings that appear to include a Crown over U type inspection mark, used from the mid 19th century onwards. The barrels also retain partially legible load information, somewhat overlapped and unevenly struck, which appears to read:

3gr N.G.P. M/71
7gr Bl.

The N.G.P. M/71 marking refers to Neues Gewehr-Pulver M/71, a German Model 1871 powder standard, with the additional marking apparently giving the corresponding projectile or load information. These later markings are consistent with an older percussion pistol having been subsequently submitted to German proof or inspection requirements after its original manufacture.

Overall condition is service worn and heavily aged, with extensive old pitting and a dark mottled patina across the barrels and lockwork. The wooden grip is better preserved, showing substantial handling wear but remaining visually complete.

Mechanically, the pistol is offered as is. Neither lock currently functions correctly: the left side sear does not engage, while the right side hammer can be brought to half cock but will not release normally, although the hammer can still be lowered manually. The frozen barrels and malfunctioning lockwork have not been forced or disassembled.

With its unusual over and under double barrel configuration, approximately .43 caliber smoothbores, matching No. 29 markings, broad continental bag grip, and later German proof and load markings, this is an interesting surviving Victorian era percussion pocket pistol. Its heavy pitting, frozen barrels, and nonfunctional lockwork are fully disclosed, making it best suited to an antique firearm, continental percussion pistol, German proof mark, or 19th century defensive arms collection.

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1840
Bore Diameter: about .43"
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder with Percussion Cap
Barrel Length: 4 7/8 inches
Overall Length: 10 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.