Make: Belgian

Model: Percussion Pistol

Serial#: NSNV

Year of Manufacture: Circa late 19th Century

Caliber: 11.6mm

Action Type: Single shot, muzzleloading, percussion pistol

Barrel Length: 7"

Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a small half moon blade soldered into the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a fixed U notch integral to the tang.

Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The stock is one piece checkered walnut, capped forend, single barrel wedge, capped pistol grip with trapdoor. There is handling wear. There are light scratches and compression dents throughout. There are no chips or cracks. Overall this stock is in Very Good condition as Antique

Type of Finish: Damascus, Silver Washed Brass.

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is semi bright. The rifling is well defined. There is some light erosion. There is light corrosion and pitting scattered throughout the bore. In this writer's opinion this bore rates 7/10.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 75% of its original finish. The Damascus shows defined layering. There are scratches and handling marks scattered throughout. There are some small nicks and dings. The silver washed brass is worn in areas and shows some of the brass color. The screw heads are lightly tooled but are serviceable. The markings are legible. Overall this pistol is in Very Good condition as Antique.

Mechanics: The lock does not function correctly. The half cock does not hold. We did not fire this pistol. As with all used guns a full cleaning may be necessary to meet your standards.

Box Paperwork and Accessories: None

Our Assessment: During the 19th century, Liège was one of Europe's largest and most important arms-manufacturing centers, producing everything from inexpensive export arms to finely finished sporting and target pistols. Belgian gunmakers were particularly accomplished in the manufacture of patterned-welded Damascus barrels, and this pistol's rifled 7" Damascus barrel, fixed sights, checkered walnut stock, and silver-washed brass furniture place it among the better-appointed sporting percussion pistols of the Belgian trade. Its Liège proof markings confirm Belgian proof-house inspection, while the "11.6" marking on the underside of the barrel records the bore diameter in millimeters. Belgian proof references indicate that metric bore-diameter markings were used throughout much of the 19th century, while various Liège black-powder proof and inspection marks can further narrow the period depending on their exact form.

This example retains about 75% of its original finish, with the Damascus barrel still showing well-defined layering and the silver wash displaying wear through to the underlying brass. The checkered walnut stock remains in Very Good antique condition with scattered handling wear, light scratches, and compression dents but no chips or cracks. The semi-bright bore retains well-defined rifling with light erosion, corrosion, and scattered pitting and rates 7/10. Mechanically, the lock does not function correctly because the half-cock notch fails to hold. Overall, this is an attractive and well-appointed Belgian percussion pistol with appealing Damascus figure and substantial surviving antique character. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids!