Original Belgian Percussion Boxlock Vest Pistol Serial 1259 with Turn Off Barrel and Fold Out Trigger - Circa 1845

Original Item. Only One Available. This is a lovely iron framed "boxlock" style percussion vest pocket pistol dating to approximately 1845, unmarked but almost certainly made in Liège, Belgium. It features a turn off barrel and hidden trigger, and is highly decorated! The frame is engraved on all sides with acanthus leaf decorations, and the barrel shows a lovely "Damascus" texture, though we do not know if it is actually spiral forged or just simulated. It has a lovely wooden "bag" grip, very typical of Belgian pistols from this period.

The weapon measures 8 1/4" in overall length with a screw off 3 7/8" smooth bored .43" caliber octagonal iron "turn-off" barrel, which in very good condition, showing signs of moderate use. There is past oxidation and fouling on the interior and like most that we see, the breech joint is frozen, so it can no longer be unscrewed for reloading. It has the usual deep grooves at the muzzle to aid in unscrewing the barrel. As mentioned previously, there are no maker markings on the pistol, but there is a serial 1259 stamped on the bottom of the frame.

The frame, action and barrel show a lovely oxidized finish, with the original decorative engraving well preserved, and just a bit of light peppering in areas. The grip is in very good shape, showing staining from use, and possibly some cracking along the grain on the left side. 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. It must be manually returned forward once the lock is fired.

A great Belgian percussion pocket pistol, suitable for any Gentleman or Military Officer. Ready to display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1840
Caliber: .50" Pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 3 7/8 inches
Overall Length: 8 1/4 inches
Action: Percussion Boxlock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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