Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely percussion vest pistol, featuring an octagonal rifled "turn off" barrel and a lovely "bag" shaped wooden grip. The pistol was made in Liège, Belgium, almost certainly for the European and American export markets. These were quite popular for self-protection, and the small size made them easily concealable in a vest pocket. Pistols like this were equally at home on dark Streets of New York or of London in Victorian England.
The pistol measures about 8 ¼" in overall length, with a 3 ¼ smoothbore octagonal barrel. The octagon exterior would allow easy removal of the turn-off barrel, however the barrel joint is unfortunately seized at present. It has the usual "box-lock" design, however unlike most we see, this has a hammer on the side of the action, and not on top. It is marked on the left side of the frame with an E / L G / * in an Oval proof, indicating manufacture in Liège, Belgium.
There are no other markings on the pistol that we can see, but this is not uncommon, as often these were sold to retailers, who would add their own markings and decorations if desired. The pistol features a very nice wooden "bag" style grip, which is very comfortable to hold and looks great. There is a small shield-shaped white metal escutcheon on the back of the grip where these were sometimes personalized, however this example is blank.
Condition of the pistol is very good, looking to have been blued at some point, which was definitely long ago. Since then the finish has worn in areas, and there is a bit of surface oxidation near the muzzle of the barrel, particularly on the right side. The lock is functional, however it will fire at both half or full cock with a strong trigger pull. The bag grip shows only light wear, with a few small dents and dings, and it looks to have been refinished relatively recently.
A very nice early Victorian Era self defense pistol, ready to Display!
Specifications:
Year of Manufacture: circa 1850
Bore Diameter: about .45"
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder with Percussion Cap
Overall Length: 8 ¼ inches
Barrel Length: 3 ¼ inches
Action: Percussion Box Lock
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.
- 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.
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.
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