6-barrel Percussion Pepperbox - Anyone familiar?

[SuedePflow]

My FFL friend is interested in selling some of his collection. Amongst it, this black powder pistol. I was asked to research it and possibly eventually list it on GunBroker (he's not web savy, so that's why I'm involved).

I believe it's a .38 cal, but I could be wrong. There's not much in the way of proof marks or engraving aside from the ornate stuff. On the inside of the handle, it appears to have the maker's name "MARIETTE BREVETE".

I'm curious to learn anything and everything that I can about it - history, age, approximate value, or anything else.

 

[SuedePflow]

Just found this was probably made in 1840-1875 and was made by Guillaume Mariette, who lived in Cheratte, Belgium.

 

[Missionary]

Greetings
I would go to Gunbroker and search "Pepperbox" and watch what similar European pieces sell for. They are not as popular as US made types.
It looks nice. If it rotates and locks the barrels in place as it is supposed to then it will sell.

 

[SuedePflow]

Greetings
I would go to Gunbroker and search "Pepperbox" and watch what similar European pieces sell for. They are not as popular as US made types.
It looks nice. If it rotates and locks the barrels in place as it is supposed to then it will sell.

Thanks for the post. I used "pepperbox" as a search keyword and was able to find an auction for a 5-barrel version of the same gun. Their asking price was $1200. I had originally guessed $800-1000, so that sounds reasonably close.

We don't plan to dry fire it or live fire it, but have confirmed that it rotates and locks. Aside from a chip in the handle and some worn engraving, it seems to be in pretty good condition.

 

[goon]

Does it fire from the bottom barrel?
Looks pretty cool. You never know what you might learn when you flip through the BP forum!

 

[Oldnamvet]

It looks like the barrels might unscrew? those 4 notches in the ends of the barrels might be for a special wrench? Kind of like the crew barrel derringer where you take the barrel off to put in powder and ball, then screw the barrel back on.

 

[damoc]

It looks like the barrels might unscrew? those 4 notches in the ends of the barrels might be for a special wrench? Kind of like the crew barrel derringer where you take the barrel off to put in powder and ball, then screw the barrel back on.

i thought those nothes were early rifleing but you could be right they look very deep

yeah looking at it again i think you are probably right