Percussion pistol with interesting associations

Shakethetrees · 20th September 2014, 02:37 PM

Yes, the PLA/police were hung from the bridge in Beijing in the manner that the contractors were strung up in Faluja, Iraq.

The Faluja image is probably more familiar to us. That's why I brought it into the post.

Jim McDougall · 20th September 2014, 05:31 PM

It is always exciting to see items with interesting provenance, and as this is indeed a European percussion pistol the fact that it ended up in China of course immediately sends thought to Boxer rebellion. Naturally that is considerably later than the probable 1840s period for this, however many earlier weapons ended up there with various contingents among the number of foreign legations represented.
I can recall a British heavy cavalry disc hilt (M1796) found among the arms of Chinese forces, but that may have been of the volume of surplus items dispersed in the mid 19th century.

I don't have much in resources on pistols, but my inclination is this is probably French (or perhaps Liege production?) and as well observed, likely a naval belt pistol.

I think the 'ethnographic' venue was a good call in subjective view in consideration of circumstances, however for identification purposes, it is best to go with objective detail better found on European venue.

On that note, I would very much recommend objectivity concerning the unfortunate political elements added to the provenance as they are not relevant to the probable arrival of the pistol in this context. These events and actions took place many generations later and while most of us are aware of them, they are best left outside this discourse.

Thank you for posting this fascinating pistol, and hope more detailed ID will be forthcoming.

fernando · 20th September 2014, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

... I would very much recommend objectivity concerning the unfortunate political elements added to the provenance as they are not relevant to the probable arrival of the pistol in this context. These events and actions took place many generations later and while most of us are aware of them, they are best left outside this discourse ...

Absolutely

trenchwarfare · 20th September 2014, 05:37 PM

Interesting piece, with an even more interesting history. As I delve deeper, and deeper into Chinese firearms, I've learned that ANYTHING is possible. If it propelled a projectile down range, it was used. Many muzzle loaders were made throughout the 20th century.

20th September 2014, 02:37 PM	#1
Shakethetrees Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Louisiana Posts: 363	Yes, the PLA/police were hung from the bridge in Beijing in the manner that the contractors were strung up in Faluja, Iraq. The Faluja image is probably more familiar to us. That's why I brought it into the post.

20th September 2014, 05:31 PM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,284	It is always exciting to see items with interesting provenance, and as this is indeed a European percussion pistol the fact that it ended up in China of course immediately sends thought to Boxer rebellion. Naturally that is considerably later than the probable 1840s period for this, however many earlier weapons ended up there with various contingents among the number of foreign legations represented. I can recall a British heavy cavalry disc hilt (M1796) found among the arms of Chinese forces, but that may have been of the volume of surplus items dispersed in the mid 19th century. I don't have much in resources on pistols, but my inclination is this is probably French (or perhaps Liege production?) and as well observed, likely a naval belt pistol. I think the 'ethnographic' venue was a good call in subjective view in consideration of circumstances, however for identification purposes, it is best to go with objective detail better found on European venue. On that note, I would very much recommend objectivity concerning the unfortunate political elements added to the provenance as they are not relevant to the probable arrival of the pistol in this context. These events and actions took place many generations later and while most of us are aware of them, they are best left outside this discourse. Thank you for posting this fascinating pistol, and hope more detailed ID will be forthcoming.

20th September 2014, 05:37 PM	#4
trenchwarfare Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 385	Interesting piece, with an even more interesting history. As I delve deeper, and deeper into Chinese firearms, I've learned that ANYTHING is possible. If it propelled a projectile down range, it was used. Many muzzle loaders were made throughout the 20th century.