Original British Victorian .36cal Pepperbox Percussion Revolver with Birmingham Proofs – circa 1850 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 The system was quickly superseded with the design of the traditional revolver, using a rotating chamber and a single barrel in the 1840s-1850s.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. We did not find any assembly marking under the grips or cylinder.

The metalwork on the pistol is in very good condition, still showing much of the original blued finish, something that we do not often see on percussion pistols of this age. The revolver is heavily engraved on the frame, grip traps, hammer, and trigger guard, which is still crisp and well retained. It does not look to have seen heavy use, and the engraved accents on the end of the barrel are still present, with the flutes in the cylinder still crisp. The grip scales look to be walnut, and have a lovely color and a nice finish. We tested the action, and it functions well, though it can get hung up during cycling at times.

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, and in lovely gently used condition.

Ready to display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1850
Caliber:  approx .36″
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 3 inches
Overall Length: 7 3/4 inches
Action: Double Action Only
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver

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