Percussion Pistol Identification - Breslau

[Rangerbuck]

The family inherited a pistol recently. The most recent owner (deceased) had no documentation for it. Im trying yo determine its age, provenance, maker, origin, anything i can find out. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
The family is presently undecided if they want to sell. I imagine its value may have a deciding factor .
So anything you are able to provide will be very helpful. I found your site, called the number and the lady answering the phone was quite pleasant and provided me with directions to email you and provide photos. I have attached a number of photos. If you need additional please let me know.
It is heavily engraved. My guess is it is German or Prussian and possibly half of a set of dueling pistols. Any information would be greatly appreciated. I have more photos if needed. The site only allows 10.
Regards
Mick Crowder
Pennsylvania

 

[mhb]

That is a very fine pistol. The overall style, smoothbore and number (2) make it very likely one of a duelling pair. It appears that it may be a conversion from an originally flintlock arm, and it would be interesting to know what, exactly, the levered plate which appears to support the percussion bolster and nipple does. Is there a name inscribed on the barrel? Does the trigger function as a set trigger? Breslau is an originally German city which was ceded to Poland after WW2, and renamed Wroclaw.

mhb - MIke

 

[hawkeye2]

The piece under the bolster is a safety. Rotated 90 deg. clockwise it will block the ****.

 

[morehops52]

Beautiful piece. I love to see detailed engraving like this. Give me the old artisans work any day over CNG.

 

[mhb]

The piece under the bolster is a safety. Rotated 90 deg. clockwise it will block the ****.

I thought about that, but, in the photos, the geometry looks wrong for that purpose - with the hammer down (as it is), it appears that the 'safety' would still rotate without contacting the breast of the ****. It is possible that, if the lock was converted from flint, the geometry of the original **** might have allowed the necessary contact to permit proper function of such a safety feature.

mhb - MIke

 

[enfield]

This in fact is one of a typical pair of (then) German duellers .

The nipple was perhaps replaced by one , being a little bit longer than the original one .
With a shorter nipple , the sear will prevent the contact of the hammer , when it is turned down , and will also prevent the loss of a cap , because the nose of the hammer will encircle , but not touch it .

Sadly , the overall condition will need lots of work to bring it to collectible shape , therefore , me , personally , woud keep it as e heritage .

But that's only my 2ct

 

[TFoley]

Why not just write 'cocking piece'?

 

[hawkeye2]

It looks like the forum has censored my post and others too. ****=****, let's see if it does it this time.

Yup, it did. **** rhymes with sock

 

[maillemaker]

c0ck.