Original European Continental Matched Pair of Brass Mounted Percussion Vest Pistols with Cone Safeties - Circa 1800

Original Items: Only One Set of Two Available. This is a lovely set of brass mounted flintlock vest pistols from the European Continent, most likely made in Belgium or Germany. They do not have any visible maker or proof marks, so they were lost likely made by a local gunsmith to order for a customer. They have some nice engraving on the metal components, and look to have been made at the turn of the 19th century.

Both pistols feature a 3 inch long .45" caliber octagonal barrels, and measure 7 inches in overall length, the perfect size to fit in a vest or coat pocket. Both have very interesting percussion locks, and look like they could have been converted from flintlock, but we think they are just early percussion designs. They actually still do have frizzen springs on the exterior, which are used with the movable cap nipple cone safeties. These swing into place to both protect the nipple cone, but also to prevent an accidental discharge. We checked both locks, and they are fully functional, holding correctly at half cock and firing at full.

They are both in lovely condition, showing much original bluing on the locks and barrels. The stocks are in lovely shape, showing just some small cracks and chips from service. They both are however missing the nose caps, as while they have ramrod pipes, there are no ramrods present, and the front sights on both barrels are missing as well. It's very possible that these had parts "harvested" for either other pistols, or for melting down.

A lovely matched pair of Continental Percussion Vest Pistols, ready to research and display!

Specifications (Both): 

Year of Manufacture: circa 1800
Bore Diameter: about .45"
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder with Percussion Cap
Overall Length: 7 inches
Barrel Length: 3 inches
Action: Side Action Flintlock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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