Please help me ID this antique pistol
For quite some time I have been trying to learn more about this gun but haven't gotten very far. It is a single shot percussion pistol and the only writing on it is "Wheeler" (located on the left side) and "London" (on the right) which are engraved in cursive. On the bottom of the trigger housing there is what appears to be a sun or flower like emblem stamped into the metal. on the bottom of the barrel there are two identical stamps (one above the other) that I can not figure out what they are supposed to be (they look like hieroglyphics to me). Above these two marks are two other stamps that resemble a capital "I" in italics. Behind the trigger housing is another strange stamp that I can not make out what it is supposed to be. I am trying to date this piece, learn more about it and get a value for it for insurance purposes.
Thank you in advance for your input!
Thank you in advance for your input!
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I used to have a non=working replica like that pistol, underslung blade and all, but without the engraved markings that I picked up in Italy 30 years ago.
I thought the markings under the barrel were proof stamps, that is what they look like but my limited reference turns up nothing that looks like that.
Hopefully someone will come along shortly with some positive information.
Dan R0 -
It's a percussion, boxlock, overcoat, pocket pistol, with a spring bayonet.
Pistols of this type were common personal protection handguns made and in use between app. the 1820's & 1850's.
Unfortunately due to the crudity of the workmanship and markings I don't think that it's authentic. It might not even be that old, but a modern replica, made during the last 50 years.0 -
It's old and it's authentic. It belonged to my great grandfather. It was given to my father in 1955ish and he gave it to me about twenty years ago. I put it in my safe and forgot about it. I couldn't get my camera to take a decent picture but all of the engravings are very intricate, the stampings are just worn down from use. It is in very good shape for its age. I've had two gun libraries tell me it is original and dates back to 1838-1850 era, but that is all they have been able to tell me. 0 -
I am not that familiar with guns that date prior to 1900. I would suggest buying a proofmark book from amazon or just go to your local hastings and spent half a day looking through books they have in stock for free. I would think that you could find the maker of the weapon this way.. Just a thought best of luck.. 0 -
Typical good quality English pistol by a prolific maker- with Birmingham proof marks.
From Carey: "English, Irish & Scottish Firearms Makers" Wheeler, Robert, Shop in London. Madeboxlock pocket pistols with under spring bayonet and flintlock dueling pistols --- blunderbusses, Royal Contract for holster pistols & musketoons --- contract with Hudson's Bay Company for flintlock trade muskets. Name changed to Robert Wheeler & Son 1813 to 1830.
Retail value estimate $6000 -
Thank you RHMC24! I would like to know more about this piece, where did you find this info? Thanks again! 0 -
Info about the maker is from Carey's book as noted. Value estimate based on several offered by dealers without bayonet for $400+. Your pix look like it is in un-messed-around-with condition, with an unbattered nipple. If its lock function (hammer/trigger) is right and the bayonet locks back properly in the retracted position, you are to be congratulated. 0 -
For what its worth:
1. WHEELER, CHARLES, LONDON
41 Royal Street, Lambeth 1844-1854
2. Wheeler, William, Devizes, Wiltshire
Little Brittox 1841-1851
4 Sidmouth Street 1854-1859
56 New Park Street 1866
This is from Boothroyds "Directory of British Gunmakers 1850-to Present"
Page 390..0
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