Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of the unusual system known as the "PEPPERBOX". They were so named because the muzzle is similar in appearance to the business end of a Pepper Pot from the the early days of Queen Victoria: a circle of round holes. All six barrels are contained in one solid "tube" or cylinder of steel revolving as a unit. The system was quickly superseded with the design of the traditional revolver, using a rotating chamber and a single barrel in the 1840s-1850s. Pepperbox revolvers as such were short lived with the possible exception in France and Belgium, where examples using the Pin Fire and Rimfire systems were made into the late 1870's.

Our example does not have any maker marks on it, as these were usually made with the intention that the retailer would add their own marks to the frame, however that did not happen in this case. The only markings present on the exterior are the CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / B P C "black powder proof" and CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / V "viewed" marks from the city of Birmingham, stamped on the breech end of the cylinder flutes. This city was well known for its firearms industry, which supplied many guns to smaller gun shops and outfitters.

The metalwork on the pistol shows age and use, as well as removed past peppered oxidation. This is especially true on the cylinder, which suffered powder burn towards the breech end, removing some of the proof marks. This is even more prominent on the area surround the cap nipple cones, partly under the flash shield. The revolver shows some lovely foliate engraving on both sides of the frame, grip strap, hammer, and trigger guard, which is still relatively crisp. The grip scales look to be walnut, and have a lovely color and a nice finish. They look to possibly be "burl" walnut, as they are heavily figured.

We tested the action, and did not notice any deficiencies, except that the hammer strikes slightly off center. The cap nipple cones are quite worn, as is the face of the bar hammer, so they no longer make contact.

The Pepper box is exactly what a Victorian Gentleman might have concealed in his Coat pocket to deal with the then all too common Foot Pads and Brigands. Nicely engraved decoration, and a lovely patinated appearance. Ready to display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1850
Caliber: approx .36"
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 3 inches
Overall Length: 8 1/4 inches
Action: Double Action Only
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver

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.