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Antique pistols-identification assistance

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07 January 2012, 05:45
Matt Norman
Antique pistols-identification assistance
Friend of mine was doing some clean-up at his mother-in-law's house. Came across a box of antique handguns and would like some assistance in identifying what they are. More photos are available but hopefully I can post basic photos.

#1)


#2


#3


#4


#5

07 January 2012, 17:21
mete
First one probably European.
Second seems to have some writing ? That and the third probably Allen &Thurber pepperbox or copies thereof , circa 1850
15 January 2012, 05:19
Alberta Canuck
I would guess they are all European. There were many pepperboxes in production simultaneously, of which the Allen & Thurber was only one. The Allen & Thurbers had their name rather prominently stamped on them...at least mine sure did.

The pepperboxes are said by some to have been the most popular repating pistols of the 1830-1840 decade.

(Some just have "Allens Patent" stamped on the hammer and the patent date (1837) stamped on one of the flats between the barrels. They came in a number of different calibers and varying numbers of barrels...some 5 shot some 6 shot.)

It is the waist gun (the one with the spring clip, intended to be tucked into the waist-band or sash) which I find most interesting. I suspect it may be a bit older than the others.
16 January 2012, 05:30
tin can
#4 is a pinfire, that always says Belgian to me.