I bought this from a guy who found this at an estate sale in the deep south.
It has a rifled barrel so I'm thinking ca. 1860.
The rumor or whatever is that it was carried by a Confederate soldier (those stories always get my attention).
Anyway, the only markings I see are seen in one of the pictures I've posted here.
I'd appreciate any info you might have about this piece. Was it Confederate made, imported, whatever.
The piece is about 6 inches long and as you can see, missing some parts. The top mounted hammer works but you have to pull the hammer up and hold it up by applying pressure to the trigger. When the trigger is allowed to snap loose, the hammer comes down and fires the cap. It would probably shoot today but I'll be the second one to try it.
Your pistol employs what is called a bar-hammer and is a single shot screw-barrel handgun dating before the American Civil War. The marking on the side is CAST STEEL. This pistol dates from the 1840's, though it certainly could have been carried during the ACW, by a Confederate, a Yankee, or even a civilian. The style closely resemble the small firearms manufactured by Ethan Allen in Massachusetts.
The octagon section on the barrel, is designed to take a wrench, whereby the barrel unscrews for loading. The powder and shot is then placed securely in the breech seat, and the gun barrel is screwed back in place.
Your pistol employs what is called a bar-hammer and is a single shot screw-barrel handgun dating before the American Civil War. The marking on the side is CAST STEEL. This pistol dates from the 1840's, though it certainly could have been carried during the ACW, by a Confederate, a Yankee, or even a civilian. The style closely resemble the small firearms manufactured by Ethan Allen in Massachusetts.
The octagon section on the barrel, is designed to take a wrench, whereby the barrel unscrews for loading. The powder and shot is then placed securely in the breech seat, and the gun barrel is screwed back in place.
CC Hunter
Super! Thanks for your work on this.
So the barrel had to be removed to load? WOW! Oh well, I guess it was a last resort weapon and probably only one shot was needed. But with the proper wrench it probably loaded pretty fast.
MB - It is double-action only which is why the trigger/hammer mechanism works the way it does. You may be able to find more markings on the left side of the hammer.
MB - It is double-action only which is why the trigger/hammer mechanism works the way it does. You may be able to find more markings on the left side of the hammer.
I would not recommend firing that piece.
Merry Christmas to you.
So you're supposed to lift the hammer while pulling in the trigger? Then simply let your finger slip off the trigger to fire it?
I was thinking the mechanism must be missing some part.
You're right, it a wall hanger.
The hammer has some corrosion so I can't see any markings on it.
MB - It is double-action only which is why the trigger/hammer mechanism works the way it does. You may be able to find more markings on the left side of the hammer.
I would not recommend firing that piece.
Merry Christmas to you.
So you're supposed to lift the hammer while pulling in the trigger? Then simply let your finger slip off the trigger to fire it?
I was thinking the mechanism must be missing some part.
You're right, it a wall hanger.
The hammer has some corrosion so I can't see any markings on it.
Thanks
Perhaps I misunderstood. The way it is supposed to function is to simply pull the trigger. The action will lift the hammer until it reaches the release point and then it will drop onto the cap and cause ignition.
I interpreted your first post as if you were saying that you were trying to cock the hammer but it wouldn't stay in the cocked position; then pull the trigger to "fire" the gun.
Mine will fire,although even if it were new I wouldnt,and yes when the trigger is pulled the hammer raises and when to the top of its revolution it drops,igniting the cap.
I am not sure where a screw could be had but am sure one maybe not meant specifically for that gun would suffice?
M.X.T , Tesoro Tejon 4"& 2.5" dredge with a little luck!!
MB - It is double-action only which is why the trigger/hammer mechanism works the way it does. You may be able to find more markings on the left side of the hammer.
I would not recommend firing that piece.
Merry Christmas to you.
So you're supposed to lift the hammer while pulling in the trigger? Then simply let your finger slip off the trigger to fire it?
I was thinking the mechanism must be missing some part.
You're right, it a wall hanger.
The hammer has some corrosion so I can't see any markings on it.
Thanks
Perhaps I misunderstood. The way it is supposed to function is to simply pull the trigger. The action will lift the hammer until it reaches the release point and then it will drop onto the cap and cause ignition.
I interpreted your first post as if you were saying that you were trying to cock the hammer but it wouldn't stay in the cocked position; then pull the trigger to "fire" the gun.
I see. This one won't do that. Even if I force the hammer all the way up and pull the trigger it won't release the hammer. It will just hold the hammer at full cock. There's something wrong with it.
It's been a long time since I've seen a Dixie catalog. WOW! the prices have sure skyrocketed in just 35 years! laughing7
Back in the 70's one could order a nice cap & ball CW repro revolver for under $50. Now they want nearly what originals sell for.
Yes, and a bottle of Coka-Cola used to be a nickle also.
Not to mention there was a time when a $10.00 bill would fill the gas tank, and there was enough money left over to buy a bag of groceries, and go to the movies too!
It's been a long time since I've seen a Dixie catalog. WOW! the prices have sure skyrocketed in just 35 years! laughing7
Back in the 70's one could order a nice cap & ball CW repro revolver for under $50. Now they want nearly what originals sell for.
Yes, and a bottle of Coka-Cola used to be a nickle also.
Not to mention there was a time when a $10.00 bill would fill the gas tank, and there was enough money left over to buy a bag of groceries, and go to the movies too!
Gee whiz...maybe that's why the grandkids aren't impressed with a $5 check fer Christmas?
I live in a state of rules where I am not permitted to live on my own country land because my home is not 130 MPH rated! I can only visit it from time to time and pay the fines. I feel so safe with Big Government protecting me. In some states its illegal to collect rainwater.
Your pistol employs what is called a bar-hammer and is a single shot screw-barrel handgun dating before the American Civil War. The marking on the side is CAST STEEL. This pistol dates from the 1840's, though it certainly could have been carried during the ACW, by a Confederate, a Yankee, or even a civilian. The style closely resemble the small firearms manufactured by Ethan Allen in Massachusetts.
The octagon section on the barrel, is designed to take a wrench, whereby the barrel unscrews for loading. The powder and shot is then placed securely in the breech seat, and the gun barrel is screwed back in place.
CC Hunter
I think I found the bullet mold for this gun. (Well, not the exact gun but the same barrel type perhaps.) The square end is to screw off the barrel. Just wanted to share. It may be for sale. http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.p...c,20480.0.html
I live in a state of rules where I am not permitted to live on my own country land because my home is not 130 MPH rated! I can only visit it from time to time and pay the fines. I feel so safe with Big Government protecting me. In some states its illegal to collect rainwater.
I live in a state of rules where I am not permitted to live on my own country land because my home is not 130 MPH rated! I can only visit it from time to time and pay the fines. I feel so safe with Big Government protecting me. In some states its illegal to collect rainwater.
LOL!!I have that mold as well Big Cy!!Mine doesnt go to my gun,as it is a Pepperbox,but it may go to the single barrel variety??
Yours is an exact match. Yes, I think it may go to the single barrel variety.
I live in a state of rules where I am not permitted to live on my own country land because my home is not 130 MPH rated! I can only visit it from time to time and pay the fines. I feel so safe with Big Government protecting me. In some states its illegal to collect rainwater.
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Originally Posted by CC Hunter
