Any ideas on what this is...

[JCB003]

So this was given to me about 25 yrs ago. The person who gave it to me is no longer around to ask where they got it or what they knew about it. It wasn't into antiques, reproductions or black powder so I put it away and forgot about it. I'd like to know if anyone has any ideas on what it might be? No markings other than 425 under the barrel. The plunger is wood with maybe bone or ivory on the end, or maybe it's plastic. I'm thinking its a repro but still would like to know some info on it. I know we have some guys who are real good at identifying firearms, so any guesses?

 

[Threeband]

I'd guess it's a decorative wall-hanger reproduction of a very ornate flintlock pistol.

I'd bet it's made of pot metal, and I'm guessing the vent is not drilled. I would hope the barrel is blocked or only partly drilled, but the maker (Spain??? Japan???) might have considered an undrilled vent and a soft, non-sparking frizzen to be enough to prevent some damfool from trying to fire it.

 

[Blacksmith101]

Have you taken it apart to see if any markings are hidden? If European and made to fire their should be proof marks.

 

[AntiGun]

Nice karma. I'm in!

movie prop?

+1 on looking for proof marks

poke a wire through the vent

 

[Alea Jacta Est]

Has a fake look and feel from the pics....wall.ornament.

I've been wrong before. Will be again.

 

[Jimbob2.0]

Has a fake look and feel from the pics....wall.ornament.

I've been wrong before. Will be again.

Thats my guess, definately not a firing piece. Look at the lock its all brass or brass paint coated you cant strike spark on brass.

Still neat for mornings you wake up and want to play pirate

 

[Inigoes]

Looks like a indian repro

Is the flash hole drilled (Lift up the frizzen, to expose the flash pan)?

 

[JCB003]

The flash hole is drilled all the way, I blew compressed air through the flash hole and it escaped out of the barrel. It will throw a spark, not a shower of sparks but it does spark. The frizzen has a steel face. Pretty sure this would fire, but I'm not going to try. Might try and make smoke with it.

I took it apart and their are no proof marks, but all the metal pieces and the wood frame have the same 425 stamped on them, so I'm guessing that is the ID / serial number.

I been doing a little looking around on google and found similar markings/carvings on both the wood and metal searching Italian snaphaunce. Might try a muzzleloader forum and see if they have any idea.

 

[Inigoes]

If you want to try to fire the pistol. Use only a paper wad, with real black powder (not the modern substitutes).

At least, until you are confident the pistol will handle pressures to propel a ball.

 

[Clovis]

Barrel smooth or rifled?

I would try the muzzleloading forum, you will likely have to set up an account to post.

Looks like it will be good to go on Talk like a Pirate day.

 

[Karl]

It has every sign of a non firing repro but still it looks more well made than the usual suspects.
Make me wonder if it is an actual functioning gun even though I wouldn't want to be the one trying it.

 

[Melnic]

I was curious and 10 minutes of google and I found this:
http://www.icollector.com/Italian-R...t-w-Carved-Wood-Stock-Accoutrements_i10062318

Lots of pictures, note the "made in italy" on the left side
I can't tell 100% but looks pretty darn close.

 

[wilcam47]

I was curious and 10 minutes of google and I found this:
http://www.icollector.com/Italian-R...t-w-Carved-Wood-Stock-Accoutrements_i10062318

Lots of pictures, note the "made in italy" on the left side
I can't tell 100% but looks pretty darn close.

the second Pic in the OP has a "made in ____ " I can barely make out. but it looks pretty close to me as well.

I dont think I would be shooting it

 

[JCB003]

Barrel smooth or rifled?

I would try the muzzleloading forum, you will likely have to set up an account to post.

Looks like it will be good to go on Talk like a Pirate day.

Barrel is smooth bore.

I was curious and 10 minutes of google and I found this:
http://www.icollector.com/Italian-R...t-w-Carved-Wood-Stock-Accoutrements_i10062318

Lots of pictures, note the "made in italy" on the left side
I can't tell 100% but looks pretty darn close.

That's it! Identical except the ramrod on mine is different. I was looking at that site, somehow I missed it. The Google is strong with you.

the second Pic in the OP has a "made in ____ " I can barely make out. but it looks pretty close to me as well.

I dont think I would be shooting it

You have good eyes. I didn't even notice that. It does say Made in Italy. Barely visible, I had to get my phone cam out and zoom in and then I was able to make it out.

Another mystery solved by MDS. No lost treasure but I'll hang on to it.

 

[kenpo333]

This is the main reason I joined. Gotten lots of info.

 

[DennisCA]

 

[sxs]

Oh, come on! You saw that link to the auction. It's worth at least $250....

 

[wilcam47]

I guess he reads a lot...but he looks like the human version of homer simpson...lol