Make: Belgium

Model: O/U Percussion

Year of Manufacture: Circa 1850s

Caliber: .36 Caliber

Action Type: Percussion Over/Under Double-Barreled Presentation Pistols

Markings: Aside from the damascus barrels, the metal parts feature decorative scroll engravings. The two lock-plates on each pistol is marked with Belgium proofs. The barrels are marked “NR” and frames are numbered “118”

Barrel Length: 2” round

Sights / Optics: There no provisions for sights

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock are one piece burl/ walnut grips with almost no handling marks. The overall rating is excellent.

Type of Finish: Damascus, Nickel & Bright

Finish Originality: Original

Overall Condition: The guns retain over 95% of its metal finish. There is still a significant amount of nickel on the box locks. The Damascus barrels retain most of their finish although there is some light surface oxidation and light handling marks on them. Notably, there is light handling wear along some leading edges. The bright parts have some light surface oxidation on them. The markings remain clear. The screwheads are un-marred and serviceable. Overall, the pistols is in Fine Plus condition for a pair of antiques.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly on both pistols. A single trigger pull fires both hammers. The triggers and the springs are strong. We did not fire these pistols. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The guns come with a presentation case (key included) with a brass plaque and blue lining. Also included is a bullet mold/ nipple wrench combo, balls, an ivory powder flask and ivory cap tin. The case is missing one of the brass lock fixtures on the front of the box. The case has some light-moderate handling marks, including oxidation on the brass parts, consistent with an older item but it remains in Very Good condition.

Our Assessment: Here we present an antique set of European Over/Under Boxlock Percussion Pistols, made circa 1850 in Belgium. These little self-defense pistols would have been most at home in the pocket of anyone in the busy cities of Europe during the 1800s. These pistols are small, light and simple. Men would carry them concealed in a waistcoat pocket and women would hide them in a hand muff. They are elegantly engraved on all sides of the frame. Some of its other features include a folding trigger, which come out when the hammer is cocked. The folding trigger was safer and more concealable than other pistols without this feature. These two pistols are accompanied by an ivory powder flask & cap tin, as well as balls and bullet mold; all set in a beautiful lockable display case.