Original Victorian Era British Single Shot Side Hammer Percussion "Belly Buster" Vest Pistol by Thomas K. Baker of London - circa 1840

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely British Percussion "Belly Buster" Vest pistol, featuring a short large bore barrel, intended for very close range use. It features a somewhat rounded "box lock" style frame and very interesting "Side Hammer" design. These are usually top hammer, but as it is percussion, it may have been easier to put the hammer and bolster on the side. It is a very early percussion example, and is marked on the top of the barrel by the maker:-

T.K. BAKER. LONDON.

Thomas Kerslake Baker was a gunmaker in Victorian England, and worked out of 88 Fleet Street in London. He is most known for is 1852 Patent of a "Longspur" cocking handle for single action revolvers, which did achieve some popularity at the time. In 1857, Frederick T. Baker took over Thomas' business and produced hunting shotguns until the twentieth century. Thomas Baker passed away in his late 70's in 1879.

The pistol measures 5 1/2 inches in overall length, featuring a 1 1/8 inch "turn off" .48" bore barrel, which is no longer removable. It looks to either have a brass washer installed long ago, or was possibly brazed solid. Aside from the maker marks, it has some lovely "Bank Note" style engraving on the frame, which extends to the top as well, and even onto the trigger guard. It also has a lovely iron butt cap with similar engraving, which has a small compartment for a spare bullet. The underside of the iron frame by the barrel joint is marked with London proof marks: the CROWN / GP "Gunmakers" black powder proof and CROWN / V "viewed" marking from the London Gun Company proof house.

The pistol follows the classic style, and is fitted with a very nice finely checkered shaped grip, which is in very good shape. There is an oval escutcheon on the back of the grip, which looks to be made from silver. Overall condition is very nice, and it has a great look, still retaining much of the original finish and engraving. The lock is fully functional, holding at half-cock and firing at full.

A really nice mid 19th Century British pocket flintlock pistol, ready to research and display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1840
Bore Diameter: .48" pistol
Ammunition Type: Cap & Ball
Barrel Length: 1 1/8 inches
Overall Length: 5 1/2 inches
Action: Side-Action Percussion "Box-Lock"
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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