Original Victorian Era German Massive .54 Caliber Centerfire Double Action Booby Trap Shot Revolver - As Seen on Pawn Stars

Original Item: One of a Kind. This MASSIVE German .54cal. Booby Trap Revolver was featured and test fired on an episode of History Channel's Pawn Stars in 2026. You can watch it on the episode below:

This is a lovely patinated example of Victorian Era German Double Action Trap Revolver, which is definitely quite massive in proportion to more regular sized revolvers. Weighing in at just under 9lbs, these were designed for stationary placement as a "booby trap", either for defense or as a hunting device. With a large bore of approximately 0.54" and a huge 12 shot cylinder, this would have been quite useful for close range hunting or protection. The revolver features two eyelets on the side, which would allow it to be secured to whatever location was deemed suitable. These usually were equipped with a loop on the end of the trigger, which could then have a rope attached to it for firing when a short distance away, though our example does not have a loop. It was also possible to rig it to some type of trip wire device, and there were other possibilities as well. As it is double action, there was not need to re-cock it after each round. We presume these were used with shot or slugs, as the barrel is not rifled.

As an interesting historical side note, these large and heavy pistols lived a second life as "ship revolvers" and are often seen referred to as such. Before the Kaiserliche Marine commissioned a new warship, such revolvers were used around 1900 in large ship models. At that time the Germans were enthusiastic about their navy, and so-called navy or fleet shows were staged to entertain the crowds. Artificial basins or lakes were surrounded by bleachers for several thousand spectators. The warship models which were built for these events were several meters long and spacious enough for one man to lie inside and operate the electric drive and oar. The audience was especially impressed when the authentic looking canon were fired, in this case by the operator using a string. As the business end of trap revolvers resembles a cannon, the illusion was quite effective when they were fired using blanks. It is very possible that this very example was used as such, however we unfortunately do not know any of its history prior to acquiring it.

The right side of the frame and barrel are both marked with CROWN / CROWN / U, on the joint in front of the trigger, a proof only used by Germany starting in the second half of the 19th century. The side of the cylinder has another CROWN / CROWN / U proof, and under this are the loading specifications, which were required to be stamped on all German guns after 1871, with previously made guns that were resold requiring remarking:

2gr N.G.P. M/71

These give the loading specifications for the Model 1871 "Neues Gewehr Pulver", and improved black powder designed for use with the Mauser Model 1871. We have seen many examples of older pistols such as this which were remarked and proved after the introduction of the 1871 powder.

The revolver measures 14 5/8" overall, with an 8 inch barrel, and there are no other markings that we can see. As these were not designed to be held, there is no "grip", just the action, which is definitely quite substantially built. The exterior shows a lovely oxidized patina, acquired after years of use and probable exposure to the elements. It was only given a light cleaning to preserve the beautiful aged look.

A lovely example of a very interesting part of German firearms history, featured on the global phenomenon TV Show Pawn Stars. Ready to research and display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1890
Bore Diameter: about .54"
Ammunition Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Overall Length: 14 5/8 inches
Barrel Length: 8 inches
Action: Double Action Only
Feed System: 12 Round Cylinder

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