Antique pistol?

The #1 community for Gun Owners of the Northeast

Member Benefits:

  • No ad networks!
  • Discuss all aspects of firearm ownership
  • Discuss anti-gun legislation
  • Buy, sell, and trade in the classified section
  • Chat with Local gun shops, ranges, trainers & other businesses
  • Discover free outdoor shooting areas
  • View up to date on firearm-related events
  • Share photos & video with other members
  • ...and so much more!
  • Joseph

    Ultimate Member
    MDS Supporter
    Oct 13, 2009
    2,759
    Clinton MD
    A friend of mine was given this black powder pistol. He can’t find any makers marks on it. I suspect it may be a reproduction and not original. Does anyone recognize it as an authentic antique? Does it have any value?
    Thanks.
     

    Attachments

    • B9118390-54DD-487A-843B-399BD4BC5F44.jpg
      B9118390-54DD-487A-843B-399BD4BC5F44.jpg
      41 KB · Views: 437
    • 839C53E4-6060-4822-B5F2-3D8D501A5707.jpg
      839C53E4-6060-4822-B5F2-3D8D501A5707.jpg
      39.3 KB · Views: 444
    • 59454A74-0B50-4A3C-B79C-F3BB64EA828B.jpg
      59454A74-0B50-4A3C-B79C-F3BB64EA828B.jpg
      53 KB · Views: 432
    • E959C96B-5709-4699-B830-F7D260DE574E.jpg
      E959C96B-5709-4699-B830-F7D260DE574E.jpg
      37.6 KB · Views: 437

    GuitarmanNick

    Ultimate Member
    Jan 9, 2017
    2,221
    Laurel
    The condition in the pictures of the metal and wood look antique, to me. Looks like someone started polishing the brass parts, but the unpolished parts appear to have the correct patina for an antique.

    Admittedly, I am no expert on antiques of any kind. I have repaired quite a few antiques and a couple were firearms. Basing my opinion on what I found on those firearms.
     

    outrider58

    Eats Bacon Raw
    MDS Supporter
    Jul 29, 2014
    49,815
    Looks like a cigarette lighter I once owned.

    Just kidding. I have no clue. :o
     

    Threeband

    The M1 Does My Talking
    MDS Supporter
    Dec 30, 2006
    25,232
    Carroll County
    Looks like an original to me.

    Military or naval, with that ramrod retainer.

    Are there any proof marks? They would be small butt would indicate country of origin.
     

    Brickman301

    Ultimate Member
    Mar 23, 2015
    2,530
    FREDERICK, MD
    Looks like an antique. Blowing up your pictures, there looks like writing on the lock. In front and behind the hammer. Maybe, some better pictures, and a little light clean up, and you can make it out.
     

    Brickman301

    Ultimate Member
    Mar 23, 2015
    2,530
    FREDERICK, MD
    I believe it’s what they called a “horse pistol”.
    The US made them with a ramrod retainer like that. They were in 58 cal.

    The French also used/made something similar looking in 69 cal.
     

    Doco Overboard

    Ultimate Member
    Lock and trigger bow features look like early gment armory,possibly naval to me.
    One of my books would surely id that one but not in front of me at this time.

    AH Waters & co Pistol. Hammer may have been refit at one time due to prior breakage or something.
     
    Last edited:

    Joseph

    Ultimate Member
    MDS Supporter
    Oct 13, 2009
    2,759
    Clinton MD
    Looks like an antique. Blowing up your pictures, there looks like writing on the lock. In front and behind the hammer. Maybe, some better pictures, and a little light clean up, and you can make it out.

    I think I see what you are talking about. Maybe a magnifier and some direct lighting may reveal it. I will let him know as I only have the pictures I posted.
     

    Joseph

    Ultimate Member
    MDS Supporter
    Oct 13, 2009
    2,759
    Clinton MD
    I talked to my buddy and gave him the link to this thread. He sent me a couple more photos of the markings you guys pointed out.
     

    Attachments

    • FF66C7AB-E98A-4C34-96B8-F7F7CADB7F3C.jpg
      FF66C7AB-E98A-4C34-96B8-F7F7CADB7F3C.jpg
      51.9 KB · Views: 227
    • 028705A3-C38F-4058-A9E7-5E68CC756A63.jpg
      028705A3-C38F-4058-A9E7-5E68CC756A63.jpg
      52.6 KB · Views: 220
    • 3B3455A2-C9E9-4056-A113-AE25BAA46E14.jpg
      3B3455A2-C9E9-4056-A113-AE25BAA46E14.jpg
      53.5 KB · Views: 222
    • 4E21C313-A369-4EAD-BEA3-CB1C5F4B65C8.jpg
      4E21C313-A369-4EAD-BEA3-CB1C5F4B65C8.jpg
      62 KB · Views: 224

    Threeband

    The M1 Does My Talking
    MDS Supporter
    Dec 30, 2006
    25,232
    Carroll County
    Notice the description says, "UNCLEANED." That's a big point with collectors.

    Tell your friend not to clean it, not to polish it, not to "improve" it in any way.

    To do so will seriously degrade its value.
     

    Users who are viewing this thread

    Forum statistics

    Threads
    274,919
    Messages
    7,258,912
    Members
    33,349
    Latest member
    christian04

    Latest threads

    Top Bottom