Need Help In 1840 Gun Restoration - SOLVED - UpDated 2-16

[Michigan Badger]

This is the dug pistol I purchased recently.

I'm thinking seriously about a complete restoration.

To begin the process I need to have a picture and/or a more precise ID for this gun.

I'm posting an enlargement of the maker stamp plus a view of the pistol itself.

This probably has been through here before but I need the info for the restorers.

Anything you have by way of gun identification, please share.

Total length of the gun as seen is exactly 4 1/8 inches.

Thanks,

Badger

 

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[PBK]

Re: Need Help In 1840 Gun Restoration

Looks like a mid 1800's boot pistol of Belgian manufacture. Note the gun proof mark with the initials "L, E, G" and star for the Liege gun works of Belgium.

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[Michigan Badger]

Re: Need Help In 1840 Gun Restoration

Looks like a mid 1800's boot pistol of Belgian manufacture. Note the gun proof mark with the initials "L, E, G" and star for the Liege gun works of Belgium.

​

Thanks PBK. Do you have suggestions on how I could go about tracking this particular model down? Or are these too difficult to zero in on?

 

[PBK]

Re: Need Help In 1840 Gun Restoration

Thanks PBK. Do you have suggestions on how I could go about tracking this particular model down? Or are these too difficult to zero in on?

They were generally inexpensive, generic guns. However, you might try asking an expert like Norm Flayderman:

http://www.flayderman.com/

 

[Michigan Badger]

Re: Need Help In 1840 Gun Restoration

Thanks PBK. Do you have suggestions on how I could go about tracking this particular model down? Or are these too difficult to zero in on?

They were generally inexpensive, generic guns. However, you might try asking an expert like Norm Flayderman:

http://www.flayderman.com/

Thanks MUCH justgeese and PBK.

I'm glad these were common. Repro parts might not be too difficult to locate. Maybe someone even has the original parts?

Badger

 

[PBK]

Re: Need Help In 1840 Gun Restoration

I think Dixie Gun Works used to sell a replica in kit form.

 

[Michigan Badger]

Re: Need Help In 1840 Gun Restoration

I think Dixie Gun Works used to sell a replica in kit form.

WOW! You are the man PBK!

If you're correct and they once did this I'm sure someone out there has the parts.

Thanks again.

Badger

 

[stefen]

Re: Need Help In 1840 Gun Restoration

Suggestion: Buy and frame the replica and place the 2 together...before and after

 

[kieser sousa/rip]

Re: Need Help In 1840 Gun Restoration

Hey MB,it's pretty cool that your going to have it restored,looks like alot of work but the end result would be well worth it.Seeing as it was found in such a historical area really makes it interesting.Did you get any specifics as to were it was dug from in the Fredricksburg area ? There was a gun factory in Fredricksburg at one time.Mabey booth dropped it on his way to Bowling green ! Or cuda been dropped by GW whilst out tossin silver dollars across the Rappahanock ! Ya never know ! Would love to see it after the restoration.

 

[warsawdaddy]

Re: Need Help In 1840 Gun Restoration

MB,also check here;

http://www.thefirearmsforum.com/

 

[Michigan Badger]

Re: Need Help In 1840 Gun Restoration

Suggestion: Buy and frame the replica and place the 2 together...before and after

Good idea. I'll give that one some thought.

Thanks

 

[Michigan Badger]

Re: Need Help In 1840 Gun Restoration

Hey MB,it's pretty cool that your going to have it restored,looks like alot of work but the end result would be well worth it.Seeing as it was found in such a historical area really makes it interesting.Did you get any specifics as to were it was dug from in the Fredricksburg area ? There was a gun factory in Fredricksburg at one time.Mabey booth dropped it on his way to Bowling green ! Or cuda been dropped by GW whilst out tossin silver dollars across the Rappahanock ! Ya never know ! Would love to see it after the restoration.

I've always wanted to do this. Never could find an old gun though.

I wish I had the GPS on the dig site. Only thing I have is it was "excavated near the site of the Battle of Fredricksburg in Virginia."

Ya, I'm almost positive it was dropped by Booth!

 

[Michigan Badger]

Re: Need Help In 1840 Gun Restoration

MB,also check here;

http://www.thefirearmsforum.com/

Thanks, I'll check it out.

Badger

 

[kieser sousa/rip]

Re: Need Help In 1840 Gun Restoration

Hey MB,it's pretty cool that your going to have it restored,looks like alot of work but the end result would be well worth it.Seeing as it was found in such a historical area really makes it interesting.Did you get any specifics as to were it was dug from in the Fredricksburg area ? There was a gun factory in Fredricksburg at one time.Mabey booth dropped it on his way to Bowling green ! Or cuda been dropped by GW whilst out tossin silver dollars across the Rappahanock ! Ya never know ! Would love to see it after the restoration.

I've always wanted to do this. Never could find an old gun though.

I wish I had the GPS on the dig site. Only thing I have is it was "excavated near the site of the Battle of Fredricksburg in Virginia."

Ya, I'm almost positive it was dropped by Booth!

I like the idea of displaying with a repro also.Ether way you go I wish ya luck with it,definitely a really cool relic any way ya look at it.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Re: Need Help In 1840 Gun Restoration - SOLVED

Dixie Gun Works will send out a catalog for $5.

Does your Belgian look like any of these? http://www.dixiegunworks.com/advanc...eab1dc917b49a4737970&keywords=belgian&x=5&y=9
What is that rusted piece on top? Is that the frozen hammer?
Is this it?
Belgian Percussion Pistol.

 

[Michigan Badger]

Re: Need Help In 1840 Gun Restoration - SOLVED

Dixie Gun Works will send out a catalog for $5.


Does your Belgian look like any of these? http://www.dixiegunworks.com/advanc...eab1dc917b49a4737970&keywords=belgian&x=5&y=9
What is that rusted piece on top? Is that the frozen hammer?
Is this it?

Belgian Percussion Pistol.

Thanks,

My pistol is different.

I'm not sure that is the hammer frozen on top. It's too corroded to tell.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Re: Need Help In 1840 Gun Restoration - SOLVED

Are you sure? I think this may be the Belgian generic gun PBK is referring to. Look at the unusual muzzle end on the octagon barrel. The length looks correct. Look at the tongue or handle part (same curvature)...and folding trigger. It also looks like a frozen hammer on top with tip broken off. What else could the top piecebe? Its hard to tell through all the rust. Electrolysis? The tang may be bent up a bit.


Here it is for sale from Dixie Gun.

17665 BELGIAN PERCUSSION PISTOL $350.00
Side hammer design with folding trigger. Overall length is 7". Barrel is 2" long and has a bore size of .45 caliber. The rear portion of the barrel where it meets the frame has octagonal cross section which flares to a round shape with a turned raised ring near the muzzle. The barrel and frame are all made of steel and are medium gray in color. Belgian proof marks are present. Light engraving is present on the sides of the frame, the top of the frame and tang and around the trigger. Action works well. One piece walnut grip is checkered on either side. It has raised panels extending rearward from the frame on each side. The left side has a crack extending from the frame about 3". Grips show light wear and possibly have been revarnished. It is also probable that the hammer is an old replacement. Overall condition is very good.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Re: Need Help In 1840 Gun Restoration - SOLVED

Thanks PBK. Do you have suggestions on how I could go about tracking this particular model down? Or are these too difficult to zero in on?

They were generally inexpensive, generic guns. However, you might try asking an expert like Norm Flayderman:

http://www.flayderman.com/

Could you post a pic of the other side? It would make it easier to ID the model of this Belgian pistol. If it has a sidelock hammer and nipple it may be on the other side. Or is it a clump of rust? I merely reversed you picture for easier comparison.

 

[Michigan Badger]

Re: Need Help In 1840 Gun Restoration - SOLVED

Thanks PBK. Do you have suggestions on how I could go about tracking this particular model down? Or are these too difficult to zero in on?

They were generally inexpensive, generic guns. However, you might try asking an expert like Norm Flayderman:

http://www.flayderman.com/

Could you post a pic of the other side? It would make it easier to ID the model of this Belgian pistol. If it has a sidelock hammer and nipple it may be on the other side. Or is it a clump of rust? I merely reversed you picture for easier comparison.

Sorry I didn't see your post. Here's a couple more views.

Note the hammer is center mounted and worked through a slot in the top of the pistol frame.

The barrel is flat sided as most all repros have round barrels.

Thanks,

Badger

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Re: Need Help In 1840 Gun Restoration - SOLVED

Thanks PBK. Do you have suggestions on how I could go about tracking this particular model down? Or are these too difficult to zero in on?

They were generally inexpensive, generic guns. However, you might try asking an expert like Norm Flayderman:

http://www.flayderman.com/

Could you post a pic of the other side? It would make it easier to ID the model of this Belgian pistol. If it has a sidelock hammer and nipple it may be on the other side. Or is it a clump of rust? I merely reversed you picture for easier comparison.

Sorry I didn't see your post. Here's a couple more views.

Note the hammer is center mounted and worked through a slot in the top of the pistol frame.

The barrel is flat sided as most all repros have round barrels.

Thanks,

Badger

Thats called an octagon barrel. It is not a reproduction. It has that unusual muzzle (barrel end) that I can find on no other Belgian short barreled boot/belt model. But I thought your hammer was a sidelock. Is yours .45 caliber? Is it brass?