Original item. Only One Available. This is a very nice French style double barrel pinfire pistol, almost certainly made in Liège, Belgium just before the U.S. Civil War. 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.
We were not able to find any maker markings we could identify, 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. There is serial number 06187 on the left side of both the barrel assembly and frame. There are also some markings under the front of the barrel assembly, but they look to be post manufacture German style markings giving the powder specifications. They are however partly worn away and/or struck unevenly.
This example is fitted with a very nice French style fluted wood grip with a steel butt cap, and is 8 ½" in overall length with 4 ½" barrels. The butt cap is fitted with a lanyard ring on a screw in bolster, which can be removed along with the butt cap. The iron frame has some very simple crisscross engraving and is bright steel, and it features two side by side smooth bore barrels of about 10mm caliber. Interestingly, the barrels look to be smoothbore, something we have seen before on pistols of this type. There is also a nice 3 inch long fold out bayonet mounted to the top of the barrels, which has a retaining spring on the bottom, so it "locks" into place. Definitely a very interesting addition to this self-defense pistol!
As originally designed, the pistol features two hammers with trigger that are folded away until they are fully cocked. Unfortunately, both sides of the box lock have functional deficiencies. The left side cocks but cannot be dry fired, while the right side occasionally will hold at full cock. There are definitely some worn, missing, or broken components on the inside of the action. Pushing the left side release button allows the barrel to tip up, putting the two pinfire chambers into the reloading position. There is no real sight of any type, indicating this was intended for close range use.
Ideal for any overcoat or uniform pocket, in working order and nice matured condition. A great antique dating to approximately 1855 and therefore pre U.S. Civil War.
Specifications:
Year of Manufacture: circa 1855
Caliber: 11mm
Ammunition Type: Pinfire Cartridge
Overall Length: 8 ½ inches
Barrel Length: 4 ½ inches
Action: Single
Feed System: Single Shot - Two Barrels
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.
