Genuine antique percussion lock pistol with twin hammers & twin barrels of approx .50 Cal

This would have been a real MAN-STOPPER back in it's day

AGE = 1820-186's

A small amount of engraving detail still visible but no maker's name or any proof markings (these could well be under the rust "patina") but I do not imagine that this was made by any of the high-end big name in the early 19th Cent gunmaker circles

This has always been a very basic weapon with not even any sights

The springs were removed at some time in the distant past to de-activate the pistol, so the hammers no longer cock on either half or full-cock

One of the nipples was removed & the other was munted, 1 trigger of what would have been twin triggers remains

The handle is a wee bit "floppy" & this old gun is really just a display piece now

This VERY LIKELY was carried by a GOLD MINER during the days of the colonial era here in either New Zealand or Australia

In those lawless times ? such a weapon would have afforded protection in the absence of any Police Force out on the Gold Fields (Sadly no provenance to this effect accompanied this old pistol)

Percussion action pistols (and rifles) were first introduced Circa 1820's after they were invented by a MAN OF THE CHURCH = the Rev. Alexander John Forsyth of Belhelvie, Aberdeenshire, Scotland in 1807 (Which seems a little ironic that a Churcman invented an item that hugely assisted men to kill other men with greater efficiency ! :-)

PROVENANCE = Ex The Holloway private family MUSEUM in Whanganui The entire collection of which, was auctioned-off two weeks back, here in Wellington

NO GUN LICENCE REQUIRED to purchase or own this antique percussion lock pistol

A wonderful DISPLAY ITEM which does NOT need to be locked-away in a gunsafe & may be left on permanent collection or museum display

If you do not possess a firearms licence you MUST keep this pistol at home

It must not be carried away from your residence unless you possess a Class "A" firearms licence