Project Description
!!!!!Returned To Consignor!!!!! This is an antique miniature engraved single shot percussion pistol with disappearing folding trigger made by Joseph H. Child of Birmingham, England circa 1850. 2 5/16″ long overall with a 1/2″ octagon barrel of .177 caliber (BB). Blued steel with a one piece checkered ebony grip. Nicely scroll & border engraved on each side of the frame & the top & bottom tangs. The left side of the barrel marked “JOS H CHILD”. The dolphin shaped hammer has a checkered hammer spur. There is a silver oval inlaid into the top rear of the grip. Birmingham proofs are stamped into the two bottom/side barrel flats. Accessories include a tiny brass bag shaped powder flask, a two legged steel bullet mold with sprue cutter casting a single round ball, (there is a lead ball in the mold cavity), and two small silver lift top containers with inlaid mother of pearl escutcheons in the lid. The containers contain two lead balls and three miniature percussion caps. The hinged top case with push button latch looks to be wood with a black lacquer finish. The interior lid is lined in a dark green cloth. The interior bottom is lined in a dark green felt. There is a photo of what may very well be this exact pistol on page 53 of Louis Winant’s book “Firearms Curiosa” published in 1955, attributed to the Arnott J. Millett collection. This exact cased set was sold in the September 2020 Rock Island Auction Company auction as lot # 1315. The pistol is in very good condition, especially considering it’s age. The metal on the pistol and mold has turned a gray patina. The grip with considerable wear to the checkering and some age shrinkage. The flask with a nice aged patina. Mechanically excellent. The case with handling wear, numerous small scratches & bruises, and loss of finish to the edges & corners. Stock # GM-01. !!!!!Returned To Consignor!!!!!
