Henry Harrington Volley Pistol

[hawkeye1755]

Volley Pistol patented by Henry Harrington of Southbridge MA during the mid 1800's. Seven barrels fire simultaneously from a common powder chamber. It has two triggers and two hammers, but the purpose of the set on the left is unknown.

:hatsoff:

 

[Zonie]

Just how big is that gun?
Based on the little photo in the middle, all 6 barrels in the breechblock look to be about the width of a mans thumbnail, or am I missing something?

 

[bingo1952]

Perhaps some redundancy in case of a dud cap or a failure of the powder charge to ignite on the first hammer strike.