Boxlock Percussion Pistol, c1850, French or Belgian?
 

This a boxlock percussion pistol with a turn-off barrel, retractable trigger and an ebony grip. There are floral decorations on the breach, trigger and grip. The iron butt of the pistol has a pommel. The breach and barrel are both marked with the digit 3, and the barrel has straight rifling. There are no maker or proof marks. The pistol looks French or Belgian circa 1850 to me.

The approximate overall dimensions are 6 1/4 x 4 1/4 x 7/8 inches and the pistol weighs 7 1/2 onces. The diameter of the barrel is approximately 1/2 inch.

** Photos are copyright (c) 2012 Dana K. Williams, All rights reserved **