SOLD 6” Ruggles Patent Underhammer by R. Olsen

[Second-rate Marksman]

A reproduction of Adin Ruggles' 1830s era percussion underhammer pistol. This light weight pistol features a walnut grip with brass frame, .38 caliber rifled 6” octagon-to-round barrel. The oiled walnut grip has a 5/8" wide sheet brass frame attached with tiny brass nails. The blued octagon-to-round barrel is 4" long, .38 caliber with a rifled bore and lightly coned muzzle. The barrel has a soldered brass front sight and fixed rear sight with brass inset. The top strap is stamped with a eagle, R. Olson / Blair NE. The right side of the barrel is stamped Cast Steel in the manner of many period antiques. The left side is stamped No. 27. The pistol has no trigger guard like the original Ruggles underhammer.

A fine reproduction of a Ruggle pistol in virtually new condition. If this pistol’s been fired, it doesn’t show it. I’m asking $450 $425 shipped. I accept most forms of payment, to include electronic options.

 

[Second-rate Marksman]

Bump for price drop to $425 shipped. This is a great little pistol, guys! Perfect for sticking in your belt or boot!

 

[A.C. Ratone]

What size of cast round balls would this take? .375"?

 

[Second-rate Marksman]

What size of cast round balls would this take? .375"?

Yes. It’s very similar to the Pedersoli .38’s in that regard. I’d probably use a .005 or .010 patch. Of course, you could always resort to using a smaller ball and thicker patch combo.

The perfect little companion piece for someone who already owns a .36 revolver.

 

[Smokey Plainsman]

Would this pistol have been considered a target gun or a defense gun during the period?

 

[Second-rate Marksman]

Would this pistol have been considered a target gun or a defense gun during the period?

I would imagine that these pistols were intended for self defense, although they’re not especially practical for that purpose. There’s no half-cock notch, so one’s relegated to carrying it uncapped or with the hammer down on a cap (not recommended).

Fordyce Ruggles was actually shot and killed when a pickpocket attempted to lift one of these pistols off his person.

 

[Darto]

I bought this. Another tidbit is that Fordyce Ruggles brother and business partner Adin Ruggles soon after was also shot and killed with one. An employee at the Ruggles' factory was testing the pistols by shooting out the upstairs window and Adin suddenly walked into the line of sight. From one of the upper stories of the building there are blind spots to the scene down below I guess.
Ruggles was sort of an early Samuel Colt from about 8 years earlier. His invention was cheap to make, Colt's Patterson was very expensive. With only 4 moving parts, almost anybody could copy his design cheaply and Ruggles' wife had trouble with so many people illegally making copies of the underhammer pistol. So they only made a few thousand before giving up.

 

[Second-rate Marksman]

That’s pretty wild, isn’t it? It would almost lead one to believe the Ruggles brothers were cursed (not that I believe in that sort of thing).