Original European Napoleonic Brass Frame Box-lock Pocket Flintlock Pistol with Octagonal Barrel – circa 1790 – 1815 Original Items

Original Item. Only One Available. This is a lovely European Napoleonic Era Pocket Pistol, made almost entirely from brass except for the grips and lock fittings. It has the classic slab-sided “boxlock” flintlock action with an octagonal barrel, and is completely devoid of makers and proof marks. This could have been intended for the European market during the Napoleonic Wars, or for the American market, where the retailer would have added their own markings.

This lovely pistol measures approximately 7 5/8 inches in length, with a 3 1/2 inch octagonal smoothbore barrel with a 0.50″ bore. We do not see any joint in the breech area, so the frame and barrel were made from one solid casting. It has some lovely military motifs engraved onto the sides of the frame, and is fairly typical of the European boxlock pistol design of the period. There is some minimal engraving on the trigger guard, but it is otherwise unadorned. the metalwork shows a lovely aged patina, with the brass having mellowed to a lovely “mustard” color that everyone loves. The end of the frame is fitted with a slab sided walnut grip in lovely display condition.

Mechanically the pistol functions perfectly, with the lock holding at half cock, and firing properly at full. There is also a half-cock safety to the rear of the hammer, which has a pin on the front end for locking the frizzen in place over the pan. The slot in the bottom of the frizzen is a bit worn, so it doesn’t lock securely anymore. It has two brass pipes on the bottom of the barrel for a ramrod, but there is none included.

A lovely brass framed European flintlock pocket Pistol, possibly made for the American market. Ready to research and display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1790-1815
Caliber: about 0.50″
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 3 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 7 5/8 inches
Action: Flintlock 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.