Civil War era pistol ?

[Michigan Badger]

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.

Thanks a Merry Christmas every one!

 

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[CC Hunter]

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.

http://www.littlegun.info/arme americaine/artisan a/a allen ethan gb.htm

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

 

[Michigan Badger]

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.

http://www.littlegun.info/arme americaine/artisan a/a allen ethan gb.htm

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.

 

[DigginThePast]

Spot on CC.

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.

 

[Michigan Badger]

Spot on CC.

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

 

[kuger]

I have the same exact gun in three shot Pepperbox...as CC stated,Pre C.W

 

[Michigan Badger]

I have the same exact gun in three shot Pepperbox...as CC stated,Pre C.W

This gun is missing a screw and side plate, does anyone make repro parts that will fit these?

 

[DigginThePast]

Spot on CC.

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.

 

[kuger]

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?

 

[Michigan Badger]

Spot on CC.

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.

 

[CC Hunter]

This gun is missing a screw and side plate, does anyone make repro parts that will fit these?

Dixie Gun Works is worth a shot (pun intended)

http://www.dixiegunworks.com/

CC Hunter

 

[Michigan Badger]

This gun is missing a screw and side plate, does anyone make repro parts that will fit these?

Dixie Gun Works is worth a shot (pun intended)

http://www.dixiegunworks.com/

CC Hunter

It's been a long time since I've seen a Dixie catalog. WOW! the prices have sure skyrocketed in just 35 years!

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.

 

[CC Hunter]

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!

 

[Michigan Badger]

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?

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Can you add your opinions on this thread when you have time CC Hunter? Thanks. http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/topic,224899.0.html



For some reason, I cant see the pic Mich. Badger.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

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.

http://www.littlegun.info/arme americaine/artisan a/a allen ethan gb.htm

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.php/topic,20480.0.html

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

A quick search found 3 Ethan Allens patents. My screen shot cannot capture the entire diagram unfortunately. Heres the link to an 1845 patent.

http://www.google.com/patents?id=Ml...a=X&ei=VlvtTuGtMIaFtgeFqZTaCg&ved=0CDkQ6AEwAg

 

[kuger]

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??

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

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.

 

[kuger]

WOW!!A friend just dug a pistol matching the examples in the box set in that pic Big Cy!!I just returned from photographing it!!!