Project Description
!!!!!SOLD!!!!! This is a pair of rare antique J & E Stevens (UM6), toy cast iron firecracker pistols circa 1870. 4 3/8″ long overall. Evidently you stuck a firecracker, like a standard Black Cat, into the muzzle then lit it, & the pistol would protect your hand. These were way before my time and are the first I have ever seen.
Unlike most toy guns, this derringer style pistol has no moving parts. It was cast with the hammer cocked upright appearing ready to fire, but it never will. Instead of striking a cap, a small firecracker would be inserted into the end of the barrel.
The toy is elegantly styled with a hollow grip center with rope-coil type edges and button tipped at the base. The frame is octagonal shaped with shallow depressions on each face. The trigger guard has fancy scroll work on each bottom corners. The barrel is part octagon part round.
This model is listed as designation UM6 (i.e., unmarked) in Cast Iron Toy Pistols, A Collector’s Guide by Charles Best.
There are some firecracker pistols listed on Ebay for from $225.00 to $350.00, so I think I have these priced attractively.
Stock #s KD-45 & KD-46. !!!!!SOLD!!!!!
