How do you like pepper boxes ?

fernando · 27th September 2008, 01:07 AM

They say the classic revolver was a development of these things ... with a so called transitional pattern in between.
This one is Belgium, dated 1853-1857, which is the period some guy called Mariette was active inventing and registering these patents.
Percussion system, with four 9 m/m numbered turn off barrels, with a beautyful damascened decoration called Crolle. Breech decorated with florals. Ebony stock.
The purpose of the grooves in the barrel muzzles is for fixing the turn off key.
You will notice that the percussion hammer is placed underneath.
Hope you enjoy it.
Fernando

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Atlantia · 27th September 2008, 01:15 AM

Well That is an extremely fine example Fernando! Very beautiful indeed. I wonder if the underside hammer would result in burned fingers?
I've not seen one with this configuration before. And the quality is really first rate. Not to mention the condition! It looks like it would fire perfectly now.

Regards
Gene

Jim McDougall · 27th September 2008, 01:41 AM

WOW! Fernando, another beauty!
I have always thought pepperboxes were really great looking pistols, and this is the first one I've seen underhammer. Reminds me of the underhammer boot pistols in the U.S. around the 1840's. These were single shot though, and the ones I've seen were from Maine.

Outstanding piece!

All the best,
Jim

Gavin Nugent · 27th September 2008, 03:13 AM

A huge fav of mine too, great to see some great firearms in the section of the forum. If anyone does ever come across a pepperbox with a concealed trigger and hammer please let me know.

Gav

clockwork · 1st October 2008, 09:08 PM

that is a very nice sample I have not seen one quite like that in the past. nice find on that one

Rich · 1st October 2008, 10:07 PM

I was told by a knowledgeable antique firearms collector and dealer that
pepperboxes were basically regarded as explosives more likely to harm the
user than who was being shot at. Seems it was common for all the cylinders
to fire at once. I can't verify or deny the statement as I'm not a firearms
collector and bearly know a pepperbox when I see them at shows.

Rich S

fernando · 1st October 2008, 10:21 PM

I Tony,
Long time no see.

Quote:

Originally Posted by clockwork

that is a very nice sample I have not seen one quite like that in the past. nice find on that one

Thanks for the kind words ... and welcome here.

Fernando

27th September 2008, 01:07 AM	#1
fernando Lead Moderator European Armoury Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,669	How do you like pepper boxes ? They say the classic revolver was a development of these things ... with a so called transitional pattern in between. This one is Belgium, dated 1853-1857, which is the period some guy called Mariette was active inventing and registering these patents. Percussion system, with four 9 m/m numbered turn off barrels, with a beautyful damascened decoration called Crolle. Breech decorated with florals. Ebony stock. The purpose of the grooves in the barrel muzzles is for fixing the turn off key. You will notice that the percussion hammer is placed underneath. Hope you enjoy it. Fernando . Attached Images

27th September 2008, 03:13 AM	#4
Gavin Nugent Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 2,818	gorgeous A huge fav of mine too, great to see some great firearms in the section of the forum. If anyone does ever come across a pepperbox with a concealed trigger and hammer please let me know. Gav

27th September 2008, 01:15 AM	#2
Atlantia Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: The Sharp end Posts: 2,928	Well That is an extremely fine example Fernando! Very beautiful indeed. I wonder if the underside hammer would result in burned fingers? I've not seen one with this configuration before. And the quality is really first rate. Not to mention the condition! It looks like it would fire perfectly now. Regards Gene

27th September 2008, 01:41 AM	#3
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,817	WOW! Fernando, another beauty! I have always thought pepperboxes were really great looking pistols, and this is the first one I've seen underhammer. Reminds me of the underhammer boot pistols in the U.S. around the 1840's. These were single shot though, and the ones I've seen were from Maine. Outstanding piece! All the best, Jim

1st October 2008, 09:08 PM	#5
clockwork Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 93	that is a very nice sample I have not seen one quite like that in the past. nice find on that one

1st October 2008, 10:07 PM	#6
Rich Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: comfortably at home, USA Posts: 432	I was told by a knowledgeable antique firearms collector and dealer that pepperboxes were basically regarded as explosives more likely to harm the user than who was being shot at. Seems it was common for all the cylinders to fire at once. I can't verify or deny the statement as I'm not a firearms collector and bearly know a pepperbox when I see them at shows. Rich S