Carrying a percussion pistol

[desertpackrat47]

I have searched for information and not found much. How did they carry (how do you carry) a percussion pistol (a single shot, not revolver)? What would be a PC method, say before 1850?

 

[Dave Rosenthal]

A big belt clip on the "inside" next to the pants for one. I assume it depends on whether or not the man is in some sort of uniform, and maybe which side. Civilians are often different than military personnel. Some would carry in the leather.

Dave

 

[hanshi]

I carry my flint pistol in a leather holster "shoulder style" and not on the belt. Historically it's probably accurate to carry it stuck into a sash or heavy belt.

 

[Enfield1]

I wear a 3 inch leather belt with a large hand-forged buckle as part of my outfit. I had quite a bit of length left on the belt and I used it to fashion kind of a loop that cants at an angle on my left side that I used to hold my lyman .50 plains pistol for a cross draw. It works really well. I'll see if I can post a picture.

 

[rafterob]

This always makes me think...other than military, how many civilians even carried a single shot pistol the likes of a Kentucky or Plains pistol.I know pocket pistols and derringers were popular especially with city dwellers.

 

[madcratebuilder]

The single shot percussion pistols were carried in a wide leather belt, a sash, wide sashes were a common form of dress in that time period. A clip on the pistol that would hook on a belt. Possibly even a sling of sorts.

 

[LaBonte]

While just stuffing it in between a sash and/or belt was done they were carried via holsters - overall a much better/more stable way to carry a pistol (having done both I much prefer a decent holster with pistol of any weight) and one that is documented for both percussion and flinter...these are all dated pre-1840

how many civilians even carried a single shot pistol the likes of a Kentucky or Plains pistol.

In the west at least of the early 1800's horse, holster, and larger size pocket pistols were widely used by civilians (mtn men, traders, trail guides, and other travelers in particular) based on trade records and the period journals. They became even more popular when the percussion pistols were introduced in the 1820's.

 

[desertpackrat47]

Thanks everyone.
LaBonte, that is exactly what I was looking for. I can make the holster, but I want it to be a thing that would have been used during the period. I'm still developing a persona.
Whoever this guy (the persona) is, he carries handguns.

 

[madcratebuilder]

That's a fine collection LaBonte, thanks for posting that.

 

[aprayinbear]

Very Nice LaBonte!

Great info and incredible examples. :hmm: Sounds like another project in the making!

:thumbsup:

 

[Turbojet 54]

Don't forget to wear your suspenders! :thumbsup:

 

[Walks Alone]

Cross draw belt holster.

 

[nkbj]

Did a lot of city people have little bitty up front and personal single shooters?

 

[grampaJ]

Don't know fer sure, but Folks who s'posed to know use terms "Muff pistols" or "Coatpocket pistols" and assume that most folks carried them and knew their use...makes sense to me, GrampaJ in NC :idunno:

 

[Coot]

As Harve 202 said, check on "muff pistol" (for the ladies) or (coat) "pocket pistol" (for the gents). Many are boxlocks and there are a fair number of both flint and percussion versions that have survived. I would guess that based on small size (no storage issue here) & the "carry a lot, shoot a little" description that characterizes modern snubnoses (not likely to be worn out) that the survival rate is higher than for most types of BP guns. I frequently see them offered by dealers. That said, a gun of any kind cost scarce money & these little pistols were not good for hunting or anything other than close up self defense. A knife would be much more likely for the "common sort" and pocket pistols for the well heeled "gentleman".