Original British Victorian Nickel Silver Framed .45cal Pepperbox Percussion Revolver by John Blissett of London – circa 1850 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a truly lovely 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 The system was quickly superseded with the design of the traditional revolver, using a rotating chamber and a single barrel in the 1840-1850s.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 is a definitely lovely, and it features beautiful engraving on the hammer and on the frame, which is solid Cupro Nickel alloy, usually called Nickel Silver or “German Silver”. Somewhat more resilient than brass, we have rarely seen this used as a frame material, as it is slightly harder to work with, however it appears that it was popular among high end pepperbox revolvers in England. This example also has VERY large bore for a percussion pepperbox, each barrel measuring 0.45″ in diameter, with a smooth bore. The sides of the action have inscribed panels with the maker information listed. The left side reads:

JOHN BLISSETT 321
HIGH HOLBORN LONDON

The right side reads:

IMPROVED
REVOLVING PISTOL

The Holborn family of gunmakers worked from approximately 1800 to 1877, and had several members and some very nice designs. 

The fluted cylinder is numbered 1 to 6 on top of the barrels, while the flutes are marked with alternating CROWN / GP “Gunmaker’s Proof” and CROWN / V “Viewed” markings from the London Gun Company proof house. The lock / action has lovely foliate engraving on both sides, and there is additional engraving around the frame of the “bag” shaped grip. This is definitely a high quality upmarket example.

The finish on the metalwork is excellent, with the nickel silver parts showing just a bit of oxidation. The the steel components show a lovely worn patina, with some of the original bluing retained in the recessed areas. The grip scales look to be burl 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. There is even a catch that holds the hammer in the up position for easier loading and rotation of the cylinder.

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 a fantastic look. Ready to display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1850
Caliber: approx .45″
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 3 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 8 3/4inches
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.