!!!!!SOLD!!!!! Antique Miniature Folding Trigger, Screw Off Barrel Percussion Muff Pistol With Unusual Book Case !!!!!SOLD!!!!!

!!!!!SOLD!!!!!  This is an antique folding trigger, screw off barrel percussion box lock muff pistol by an unknown maker.  Probably made in Belgium in the mid to late 1800’s.  The pistol is 1 3/4″ long overall with a 17/32″ fluted steel barrel of about .106 caliber.  The muzzle end of the barrel shows what look to be eight rifling grooves, but the barrel is not rifled.  The grooves are for inserting a square wrench into the muzzle to help in unscrewing the barrel should it become stuck from powder residue.  The steel frame, tangs, & folding trigger  are very nicely engraved.  Checkered hammer spur.  The grip is one piece ivory.  The mechanism works perfectly, the trigger dropping down into position when the hammer is cocked, and springing back into place one the hammer is tripped.  There is a hanging ring on the top tang.  Complete with a later miniature book shaped leather case.  The page edges are solid & look to be gold plated brass.  There is a spring loaded page inside the book that holds the miniature pistol, & when the book is opened, the page springs up.  there is a small ledge on the book cover to hold the page in a position to display the pistol.  A great & ingenious way of casing & displaying.  The case is not contemporary to the time of the pistol & is much more modern.  The title of the book case is “BOOK OF TIME” on the cover, along with a capital “G”.  the spine is marked VOL II.  The pistol is in good condition, showing some evidence of previous rust, present rust, & cleaning, but still has a great look, & will probably clean up to look much better with a little TLC.  !!!!!SOLD!!!!!