Original European Continental Percussion Boxlock Pocket Pistol by with Custom Wood Case and Accessories – Circa 1840 Original Items

Original Item. Only One Available. This is a lovely iron framed “boxlock” style percussion pocket pistol dating to approximately 1840, which is really a fantastic “upmarket” example! It features a turn off barrel and hidden trigger, and is highly decorative! The frame is engraved with foliate designs on the sides, and it has a lovely ebony wood bag grip that terminates in a small “scallop” lidded compartment for a spare bullet. There is no maker marked on the pistol but we feel it was almost certainly made in either France or more likely Liège, Belgium, which had a booming firearms industry at the time.

The pistol comes in a well-fitting custom wooden case with green velvet lining, which looks to be late 19th century manufacture. The case measures approximately 7 ⅜”W x 4 ½”D x 1 ¾”, and looks to be made from walnut or some similar wood, and has a small brass plaque in the center of the lid, which is blank. Inside has many compartments for various accessories, and there is a lidded compartment in the upper left for spare bullets. Also included is a lovely small brass powder flask, a brass tin for percussion caps, a piece of wood that looks to be ebony, and a recent production bullet mold. There is even the original key to the case, and the lock is still fully functional!

The pistol itself measures 4 ⅜” in overall length with a screw off 1 ⅛” smooth bored .41″cal iron cannon barrel, which in very good condition, showing signs of light to moderate use. Unlike most that we have seen, the screw joint is actually still free, and the barrel can easily be removed! There are no maker markings on the pistol except for what look to be OB and TE on the underside of the barrel joint.

The frame, action and barrel show a lovely polished steel finish, showing some evidence of past peppering that has been polished away. The engraving is well retained, and the grip is lovely, though it does have several cracks, which are unfortunately common due in ebony wood. It is hard and a beautiful wood, but it is definitely brittle and prone to cracking. The pistol functions correctly, with the hidden trigger folding out only when the hammer is fully cocked, after which the action can be dry fired.

A great European percussion pocket pistol, suitable for any Gentleman or Military Officer, complete with a custom wood case and some fantastic accessories. Ready to add to your collection and display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1840
Bore Diameter: .41″ Pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 1 ⅛ inches
Overall Length: 4 ⅜ inches
Action: Percussion Boxlock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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.