Original Belgian Brass Barreled Vest Percussion Pistol marked to P. LaVaelt – Rio de Janeiro with Ivory Grip Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely utilitarian iron-framed pocket percussion pistol, which features a lovely brass “cannon” style barrel. Made in Liège, Belgium for the European and American export markets, these were quite popular for self-protection, often worn in the vest pocket. Pistols like this were equally at home on dark Streets of New York or of London in Victorian England.

This example however looks to have been sent to the South American market, and is marked on the left side of the box lock with the retailer in Brazil:

P. LAVAELT & Cie
RIO DE JANEIRO

We have not been able to find anything about this retailer, and leave it as a great research project.

The smoothbore barrel measures about 3 1/8″ in length, and most likely originally could unscrew from the frame, but is currently frozen. The pistol measures 7 1/4″ overall, perfect for an overcoat or vest pocket. It is marked on the left side with E / L G / * in an oval, indicating manufacture in Liège, Belgium. The pistol features a very nice contoured Ivory “bag” style grip, which is very comfortable to hold. It shows lovely cracks and discoloration, only achieved after decades. The cap on the grip is plated brass, with a “Lion” mask iron top to the end compartment.

Condition of the revolver is good, showing that it definitely did see significant use during its service life. The receiver area shows past oxidation and cleaning, which has made the markings a bit faint. The hammer and cap nipple cone show some powder burn from use. The pistol functions, though it does not hold at half cock. The fold out trigger works, but must folded back up after firing.

A very nice early Era self defense pistol, ready to Display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1850
Bore Diameter: about .43″
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder with Percussion Cap
Overall Length: 7 1/4 inches
Barrel Length: 3 1/8 inches
Action: Percussion Box Lock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded