Original item. Only One Available. This is a very nice British Belgian style double barrel pinfire pistol, almost certainly made in Liège, Belgium during the Victorian Era. The only marking we could find was a British London proof on the side of the right barrel, Crown over V, for "Viewed", which is common for Belgian arms not made under contract for private purchase. The country was a gun-making powerhouse, and was already manufacturing pistols for many French companies, so they already had the designs on hand. The "NEW" French "Pinfire" cartridge had just been introduced, which featured a pin extending from the rear side of the cartridge that when depressed discharged the round. Never as popular as might have been expected and by 1870 quite obsolete.
This example is fitted with a very nice fluted wood grip with scallops at the top, and is roughly 8" in overall length with 3⅝" barrels. The iron frame has some very simple engraving and is now bright steel, and it features two side by side smooth bore barrels of about 7mm caliber.
The pistol is reloaded via a tip-up break-action, released by the latch hugging the front of trigger guard. The barrels are both rifled, with still-visible lands & grooves, although there is past pitting and oxidation. Both hammers function correctly, the break-action not opening until the barrels are at half-cock. The two triggers are within the trigger guard, one further back. There is no sight of any type, indicating this was intended for close range use.
Condition is good, though it definitely shows quite a bit of wear and cleaning over the years. The exterior is bright steel, with areas of past pitting now cleaned away. The hammers are nicely engraved with eyes, giving the appearance of a serpent or snake. A great little detail.
Ideal for any overcoat or uniform pocket, in working order and nice matured condition. A great antique dating to approximately 1855.
Specifications:
Year of Manufacture: circa 1855
Caliber: 7mm
Ammunition Type: Pinfire Cartridge
Overall Length: 8 inches
Barrel Length: 3⅝ inches
Action: Single
Feed System: Single Shot - Two Barrels
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