Gun found in old house

[MichaelB]

This was brought to me for ID but my gun knowledge is limited. Does anybody here know a model number?

MichaelB

 

[tymcmurray]

Looks kind of like a Boot Pistol, but I don't remember a
trigger guard.

 

[John (Ma)]

Why don't I ever get that lucky? Very nice find!

 

[tymcmurray]

This is the one I thought of.

http://www.tias.com/13712/PictPage/3923325480.html

 

[crazyjarhead]

Double barrel pistol No idea but never seen one before

 

[BuckleBoy]

I'm no gun guru, but it is OLD. (And it's also missing a hammer.) Think the hammer may still be laying in there close by somewhere?

 

[MichaelB]

It fires via primer cap (notice the double post). I will try and get some measurements.

 

[rjw4law]

It's not worth much, but what a helluva find!

 

[MichaelB]

That is very close.

 

[warsawdaddy]

What gage? 410s were popular.I've seen a pair of 410 dueling pistols,but not with double barrels.

 

[DANGLANGLEY]

That's an awesome find. I bet it's worth a good bit. I'd love to have that. if you get tired of it my address is.....

DANGLANGLEY

 

[Diggin in GA.]

I found a fancier version here, http://www.silvermane.com/firearms_pinfire.html

 

[wildcatman71]

WOW! That is one awesome find!

 

[MonkeyBoy]

What gage? 410s were popular.I've seen a pair of 410 dueling pistols,but not with double barrels.

wow.. .410 dueling pistols?? I know .41 was a legit caliber.. up to and after the Civil War but 410 shells.. that would hurt.. if only for a second or two..

MB

 

[dcinffxva]

It appears to be a Howdah pistol, and could have been made either in the US, or more likely Europe, with Belgium being most likely. It isn't a pinfire piece, as the hammer hits the rear, and not on top of the barrel.

Look closely for any markings, and take close up photos, especially anything that looks like a proofmark (usually on the underside of the barrel).

Google Howdah Pistol, and there are a couple of decent reads.

 

[MichaelB]

Ahhh so the post on the back make it a percussion cap not a pin fire. I see now. Thanks for the info.

MichaelB

 

[ivan salis]

yep old"double barreled tiger killer"pistol for brush hunting wounded tigers and other dangerous game -- normally big bore "hand cannon" type weapons -- they were rather hard on the shooter but not near as bad as a wounded tiger at close quarters would be.

 

[allen]

that is a very neat find..

 

[MichaelB]

This is close but still no exact winner:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Reiterpistolelefthand.JPG

 

[Monty]

I believe just-geese is correct. Those would be firing pins, probably spring loaded, or at least they were at one time. If there are any numbers it may be under the grip.. However no numbers were required at the time frame it was probably made. There was a .41 caliber rim fire and later on a .41 caliber center fire. A pinfire would not have a firing pin. I am pretty sure someone else was correct in saying it is a "boot pistol".
Monty