Percussion Key Pistol
This miniature
percussion key pistol is essentially pointless as a weapon. While it is
perfectly capable of being fired with a small cap, a pinch of powder and a 4.5mm
ball, it is hard to imagine why anyone would wish to do so. However the main
spring is strong, the hammer snaps down convincingly and the trigger return
spring operates efficiently.
This pistol raises a
number of questions with regard to age and authenticity. Put bluntly, is it a
fake? Apart from its casing in a converted jeweller's box, probably recently
done, there is no evidence to suggest that the pistol is of recent manufacture.
If a fake, it is probably a late Victorian example and was quite possibly made
for no other reason than the private gratification of the gunsmith.
There is no maker's
name or address and no proof marks
Overall Length
70mm
Barrel Length
50mm
Calibre
.177 or 4.5mm
Dr Hugo
