Project Description
!!!!!SOLD!!!!! This is a 1/4 scale over/under tap action center hammer percussion pistol by an unknown maker, almost certainly in England. 2 5/32″ long overall with with two 5/8″ long screw off smoothbore barrels of about .140 caliber. The muzzle ends of the barrels with a slight cannon swelled muzzle, and there are a couple of raised turned rings about 1/4″ from the breech. The hammer has both half and full cock. The frame, tangs, & triggerguard are yellow brass, the balance of the metal parts are steel. The frame sides, the top tang, and the trigger guard bow modestly but expertly engraved. One piece walnut grip with some well executed decorative carving on each side where it meets the frame, and a silver shield escutcheon inlaid into the rear of the grip. The barrels are fire blued, and show some transitional coloring from muzzle to breech. The hammer & trigger are charcoal blued. There is a lever on the left side that rotates a drum which when rotated one way blocks the flash hole to the barrels as a safety, and the other way has a hole directing the primer cap charge to both barrels, so this shoots both barrels with one pull of the trigger. Beautifully made with great fit & finish. The barrels show about 99+% original fire blue finish. The hammer & trigger with 99+% original charcoal blue finish. The brass with a pleasing patina. The grips excellent with all of the original varnish finish. Most British miniature makers do not bore the barrels of their miniatures all the way through to conform with British law. This piece was probably made before those laws were passed, and are bored through. To bring them into compliance with British law, someone since has plugged the barrels with some kind of resin. Complete with a hinged top mahogany case with flip latch. The interior French fit, padded both top & bottom, and lined in a dark green felt. A really beautiful little pistol! Possibly antique, but most likely mid to late 20th century. !!!!!SOLD!!!!!
