Can you identify this pistol?

[MMcfpd]

There's at least one firearm in my collection that I doubt I'll ever fire. It bubbled up from my grandfather's estate, and nobody knows much about it. Any chance y'all might be able to identify it?









There are no legible markings that I've been able to find, but there is a brass-appearing shield inlaid in the grip near the top.

And, is this a handgun under the law?

 

[Geronimo45]

And, is this a handgun under the law?

Doesn't seem to be able to fire a brass-encased cartridge, so it should be no problem on that account - and it could be old enough to qualify as an antique.

 

[dfariswheel]

It's a double barreled, muzzle loading pistol of a type often called a "Gentleman's Cloak Pistol", since men often carried these smaller guns in a cloak pocket.

Guns of this type were made in Europe and America, so without more identifying marks, there's really no way to say for sure who made it.
Since it's a percussion gun, it was likely made sometime between the 1820's and the 1860's.

If the maker marked it, it would probably be on the top rib between the barrels.
This one appears to be a higher quality gun with hand engraving and fine figured wood, so I'm surprised there isn't a makers name somewhere on it.

 

[MMcfpd]

A closer inspection has revealed some markings on the bottom of the rear of the left barrel:

Untouched:


Markings highlighted:


Thanks for the info so far.

 

[ZeSpectre]

A ruler or something to give a sense of scale and also a photo of the primer area with a hammer cocked so we can see detail might be helpful.

Neat gun!

 

[SaxonPig]

My guess is European, mid to late 19th century, likely made in a small shop rather than by a gun company. Looks like good quality but only a real expert could provide exact info (and maybe not even then as many independent gunmakers were working back then). Value would be anybody's guess.

 

[Angus Podgorney]

mid to late 19th century,