Tinpig
Member
My son was cleaning out his grandfather's (my father-in-law) barn last week and found this old pistol.
It's 21 inches long, barrel 12-13 in., and heavy enough to cudgel a horse to death. The bore measures approx. .68 in. The wood is split and cracked in places, the ramrod is missing and it's badly surface rusted but not particularly pitted. The action moves and functions although the spring is very weak. The barrel is octagonal at the breech and tapers to cylindrical at the muzzle. There are no stamps or markings that I can see. The brasswork and heavy butt are tarnished but in good shape.
It looks like a pirate pistol that was stowed in the bilges. :roll:
My father-in-law liked guns but he's long gone; my wife's sisters not only have no interest in them but downright hate them, so they're happy for my son to have the pistol. I'm wondering if anyone might have some idea of its approx. date, know anything about the type, and what could be done to restore it to some sort of reasonable display condition. I know you're not supposed to touch antiques, but I don't believe a heavy coat of rust is appropriate for any firearm.
Here are some pics:
All advice welcome.
Thanks,
Tinpig
It's 21 inches long, barrel 12-13 in., and heavy enough to cudgel a horse to death. The bore measures approx. .68 in. The wood is split and cracked in places, the ramrod is missing and it's badly surface rusted but not particularly pitted. The action moves and functions although the spring is very weak. The barrel is octagonal at the breech and tapers to cylindrical at the muzzle. There are no stamps or markings that I can see. The brasswork and heavy butt are tarnished but in good shape.
It looks like a pirate pistol that was stowed in the bilges. :roll:
My father-in-law liked guns but he's long gone; my wife's sisters not only have no interest in them but downright hate them, so they're happy for my son to have the pistol. I'm wondering if anyone might have some idea of its approx. date, know anything about the type, and what could be done to restore it to some sort of reasonable display condition. I know you're not supposed to touch antiques, but I don't believe a heavy coat of rust is appropriate for any firearm.
Here are some pics:
All advice welcome.
Thanks,
Tinpig