New, Need help Identifying Pistol

[3StrikesNC]

Hi,
I'm new to this site, and thought there might be someone here that could identify this pistol for me. I'm not looking for $, it was my Dad's and I never got to ask him anything about it (he passed away some years ago).

Any ideas?

 

[Dave Rosenthal]

Nice small hide-out gun carried in the pocket or the waistband, circa 1830's? I think. I've seen them laying around at some local black powder shops. Don't know who or where it's made, but others on this Forum more knowledgeable in this area than I will come to our rescue!

Welcome to the Forum!

Dave

 

[Zonie]

It is an example of what was called a "Center Hammer" pistol.
Several different companies made guns like this in the 1840-1860 time period such as Allen & Thurber, Blunt & Symes and W.W. Marston not to mention some companies in Belgium.

Does the pistol have any markings at all on the barrel?

 

[3StrikesNC]

It's got the number "682" stamped in two places. One is on the underside of the barrel, immediately in front of the trigger guard. The second place is on the machined relief of the hammer itself, the area required because of the center hammer design.
Of note is the barrel, which appears to to have been hand filed, to a taper. It's a poor effort to a slight hex shape.

 

[Zonie]

Usually the American companies marked their names on the barrel or frame.
If the gun was made in Europe, it would have a proof mark on the barrel which could be used to determine the country it was made in.

If the barrel was hand filed as you say, it is possible these markings were removed.
If that is the case it would be almost impossible to figure out exactly what the gun really is.
zonie :hmm:

 

[WRussell]

Turning up the lights...

 

[Don]

It looks like an American pistol and the name Allen and Wheellock pops into my head for some reason. Looks like a typical mid 19th century boot or muff pistol.

Don