Help Identifying: Single shot inline percussion pistol

[58limited]

This belongs to a friend. I haven't seen it in person. It was his father's gun and he thinks it was made in the 1950s or 1960s but isn't sure. There is not a maker's name stamped on it. If anyone knows what this is and who the manufacturer is please let me know. Thanks in advance.

 

[Steel Horse Rider]

Looks like a home shop project to me.

 

[Malachi Leviticus Blue]

I am pretty sure it is an Itallian copy of a Bob Tingle 1960 target pistol made by ASM. I'm not sure when they started, but most were made in the 1970s

 

[Acorn Mush]

"I am pretty sure it is an Itallian copy of a Bob Tingle 1960 target pistol made by ASM. I'm not sure when they started, but most were made in the 1970s"

I agree. I recall seeing these advertised in the Dixie Gun Works catalog way back then.

 

[Bullseye]

Found one like it from CVA in a 1987 catalog

Prospectors Pistol

View attachment 226568

 

[Malachi Leviticus Blue]

Found one like it from CVA in a 1987 catalog

Prospectors Pistol

CVA was one of the importers that marketed the Bob Tingle copy made by ASM. The Prospector Pistol was one version made by ASM that had an engraving of a prospector panning for gold on one side of the frame and a wagon train on the other.

Some of the ASM "Tingle Pistols" had case color frames with no engravings, (That's what the OP's looks like to in the images to me) I think those were the earlier ones.

You will probably find either "MARCO" or "SAN MARCO" on the bottom of the frame in front of the trigger guard where the screw that holds the barrel is located. (not uncommon to be poorly struck)

 

[whughett]

The bottom photo appears to have proof marks. The ASM cartouche in one of its forms may be among that group. I have an 1858 Remington by Armi San Marco that has the stylized ASM mark.

 

[midland man]

wow I would love to have one!!

 

[58limited]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I forwarded the info to my friend and hope to talk him into taking it to the range soon. Anyone know the recommended load of powder for this? I was thinking of starting with 20 gr of FFFG.

 

[Ephraim Kibbey]

Armi San Marco markings vary from nothing to a simple "SM" to "S. MARCO" all the way to the full name as well as the "ASM" either as a pyramid or in line. Early boxes have the Griffin with a front paw on the letters "GB" for its originator Giuseppe Buffoli.

Simpsons has four in stock now:
http://www.simpsonltd.com/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=marco&search_in_description=1&x=6&y=10