Percussion pistol ID

[sqqy14]

I can't find any manufacturers markings on this gun. It appears to be about .69 caliber rifled.
Trigger drops down when the hammer is cocked. It has some nice engraved scroll work.
I'm sure someone on here can shed some info on this piece.

 

[YJake]

A .69 caliber muff gun?!

-Jake

 

[Auldjin]

Is it a turn-off barrel? I am puzzled by the surface markings on the barrel.

 

[Rudyard]

Looks very Belgium / French pocket' man stopper', marking on barrel? it looks like a very fine twist to me .Nice example .
Rudyard

 

[sqqy14]

Is it a turn-off barrel? I am puzzled by the surface markings on the barrel.

The barrel has a spiral spun groove on the outer surface. I don't see how it can be unscrewed.

 

[2 shots]

does the muzzle have 4 v's cut into it? if so the mold that came with it had a square end on the handle. it fit into end of barrel as a wrench to unscrew it.

 

[sqqy14]

does the muzzle have 4 v's cut into it? if so the mold that came with it had a square end on the handle. it fit into end of barrel as a wrench to unscrew it.

No V's, the muzzle is flush.

 

[user 48679]

I can't find any manufacturers markings on this gun. It appears to be about .69 caliber rifled.
Trigger drops down when the hammer is cocked. It has some nice engraved scroll work.
I'm sure someone on here can shed some info on this piece.View attachment 74010View attachment 74012

You have a French/Belgian center box lock percussion muff pistol with fixed barrel & a folding trigger, made in the mid-1800's for ladies to carry inside their hand muff for SD.

 

[appalichian hunter]

Then french gals. knew how to get it done .69 cal. close range game over.

 

[nit wit]

Looked Belgium to me also.
Nit Wit

 

[rickystl]

Agree with Pietro. The barrel appears to have a decorative Damascus type pattern. That would likely fit in with the quality of this piece. Could have been made in France for a private individual. But Belgium did make many of this style pistol. Usually, if the barrel was made in one of the Belgium shops it would have a proof mark, but not always.

In any case it is a very nice example and appears in good condition. Congrats.

Rick

 

[toot]

Is it a turn-off barrel? I am puzzled by the surface markings on the barrel.

it is DAMASCIUS, markings.

 

[toot]

You have a French/Belgian center box lock percussion muff pistol with fixed barrel & a folding trigger, made in the mid-1800's for ladies to carry inside their hand muff for SD.

now that is a MUFF!!!

 

[sqqy14]

There is one marking on the underside of the barrel and also the lock "55 ." That's all I could find.
Damascus seems to be correct. I removed the handle and found nothing there.
The rifling has 16 lands and is in really good condition.

 

[sqqy14]

Yes the barrel does indeed screw off.

 

[OldRust]

Really nice and and it looks very high quality. As Rudyard stated a fine twist barrel. It would tell a lot of its story if there were proof marks. Possibly in an inconspicuous spot on the barrel ?

Thanks O.R.

An example from W.W. Greener's 1895 book The Gun

 

[Auldjin]

The pattern on the barrels seems to have counter-rotating twists. It almost looks like a machined "faux Damascus". You need to enlarge the pictures to make it out.

 

[rickystl]

There is one marking on the underside of the barrel and also the lock "55 ." That's all I could find.
Damascus seems to be correct. I removed the handle and found nothing there.
The rifling has 16 lands and is in really good condition.

Great. I'd be tempted to shoot it a few times. LOL

Rick

 

[rickystl]

The pattern on the barrels seems to have counter-rotating twists. It almost looks like a machined "faux Damascus". You need to enlarge the pictures to make it out.

Good point. There would seem to be no need for a genuine twist barrel for this type of little pistol. But the "faux" feature would blend in with the high quality features of the rest of the gun. More pics would be great.

Rick

 

[sqqy14]

Good point. There would seem to be no need for a genuine twist barrel for this type of little pistol. But the "faux" feature would blend in with the high quality features of the rest of the gun. More pics would be great.

Rick

Here's a couple of more views.