Original Item: Only one available. Made in the gun making city of Liège, Belgium, this is a life saver: a small Double Barrel percussion cap pocket pistol that could easily carried in a coat pocket. In the dank times of Dickensian London and Paris and New York for that matter CRIME was rife! Foot pads and thugs were everywhere, and this was the perfect defense for a gambler or lady of the night.
These small relatively inexpensive pistols were the rage for self protection. Shipped over to the United States in great quantities who knows how many lives were saved or taken.
The pistol features side by side heavily rifled barrels about 1 3/4 inches in length. Originally these would have been able to screw off, but they are unfortunately rust seized at present. These are attached to engraved iron frame box lock with triggers that only appear when the weapon is cocked and ready to be fired. One side of the frame is stamped with the serial number 24, while the other has the E / L G / * in an oval mark of Liège, Belgium.
The grip is made of walnut, and is in the typical “bag” style, with silver escutcheon and silver butt cap. The butt cap also has a small trap door on the bottom, probably for holding spare ammunition.
Fully cleaned, showing old pitting stains but fully operational and ready to display.
Specifications:
Year of Manufacture: circa 1835
Caliber: .35 inches
Ammunition Type: cap and ball
Overall Length: 5 1/2 inches
Barrel Length: 1 3/4 inches
Action: Percussion Box Lock
Feed System: Single Shot – 2 Barrels
NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these.