Original Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely percussion vest pistol, featuring an octagonal rifled "turn off" barrel and a lovely "bag" shaped wooden grip. The pistol was made in Liège, Belgium, almost certainly for the European and American export markets. These were quite popular for self-protection, and the small size made them easily concealable in a vest pocket. Pistols like this were equally at home on dark Streets of New York or of London in Victorian England.

The pistol measures about 8 ¼" in overall length, with a 3 ¼ rifled barrel. There are cuts into the interior muzzle for removal of the turn-off barrel, however the barrel joint is unfortunately seized at present. It has the usual "box-lock" design, however unlike most we see, this has a hammer on the side of the action, and not on top. It is marked on the left side of the frame with an E / L G / * in an Oval proof, indicating manufacture in Liège, Belgium. The right side of the frame is marked with a CROWN / LH in an Oval, a Belgian "mark test of manufacture", which was seen on guns from various makers, including Emile et Léon Nagant. The left side of the barrel also looks to have a faded "Perron" Tower of Liège proof on it.

There are no other markings on the pistol that we can see, but this is not uncommon, as often these were sold to retailers, who would add their own markings and decorations if desired. The pistol features a very nice wooden "bag" style grip, which is very comfortable to hold and looks great. There is a small oval white metal escutcheon on the back of the grip where these were sometimes personalized, however this example is blank.

Condition of the pistol is very good, showing a lovely aged patina on the metal. We assume that originally the barrel was blued, while the frame and hammer were probably case hardened. The lock is functional, however it does not seem to have a half-cock position on the tumbler. We do not know if this is due to wear, or whether it was designed that way. The bag grip shows only light wear, with a few small dents and dings.

A very nice early Victorian Era self defense pistol, ready to Display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1850
Bore Diameter: about .47"
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder with Percussion Cap
Overall Length: 8 ¼ inches
Barrel Length: 3 ¼ inches
Action: Percussion Box Lock - 2 hammers
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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