Original British Early Victorian Pepperbox Percussion Revolver with Birmingham Proofs – circa 1840 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of the unusual system known as the “PEPPERBOX”. The muzzle is similar to the business end of a Pepper Pot of the the early days of Queen Victoria. All six barrels are contained in one solid “tube” or cylinder of steel revolving as a unit. The system was quickly superseded with the design of the traditional revolver, using a rotating chamber and a single barrel in the 1840-1850s. Pepper boxes as such were short lived with the possible exception in France and Belgium, where examples using the Pin Fire and Rimfire systems were made into the late 1870’s.

Our example does not have any maker marks on it, as these were usually made with the intention that the retailer would add their own marks to the frame, however that did not happen in this case. The only markings present on the exterior are the CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / B P C “black powder proof” and CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / V “viewed” marks from the city of Birmingham, stamped on the breech end of the cylinder flutes. This city was well known for its firearms industry, which supplied many guns to smaller gun shops and outfitters. There is also the marking IIIIX on the inside of both grips and on end of cylinder, visible when the cylinder is removed.

The metalwork on the pistol was probably originally blued or case hardened, but is now faded to a gray patina overall, with areas of light peppering due to powder burn. The sides of the action, the top of the hammer, and the grip backstrap all show lovely hand engraved designs, which are still mostly visible. The grip scales look to be walnut, and have a lovely color and a nice finish. We tested the action, and it functions beautifully, and does not appear to have any issues with indexing or cycling.

The Pepper box is exactly what a Victorian Gentleman might have concealed in his Coat pocket to deal with the then all too common Foot Pads and Brigands. Nicely engraved decoration, showing old pitting scars on the barrels and the trigger guard exterior.

Ready to display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1840
Caliber:  approx .33″
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 2 3/4 inches
Overall Length: 7 7/8 inches
Action: Double Only
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver

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.