Unknown Percussion Pistol
 

A recent addition to the collection. Was listed as European, but I question that. My gut says Japanese. Mainly by the cannon muzzle, and sash hook. Whatever it is, the time of mfg. was well into the modern age. Mainspring is in the grip frame, like a revolver. Approx. .46 cal. Very simple mechanism but, extremely well made. Weighs over 3 lbs. Rammer also is a cleaning rod, screw driver, nipple wrench, and vent prick. A lot of time went into this pistol. Barrel, and other parts are lacquered, not blued. Mods, please leave this here for a while, before moving to the European forum.

Is that a stylized dolphin i spy on the hammer? Could be a clue. :)

Yes, the hammer is in the form of a stylized Dolphin. Similar to some of the ones, found in Japanese art.

There are ten decorative grooves turned in the barrel.
Can't tell from the photo - are they square-bottomed, or V-bottomed grooves?
Odd question, I know, and this is a stretch, just from examining one modern made version of a Colt Paterson pocket pistol. I think that modern machinists are accustomed to use a square-pointed tool to machine nice neat square bottom grooves. Early 19th century guys used more of a V-point & cut decorative grooves like the threads on a screw.
Whatever the nation of origin I am inclined to think this a 20th century piece.
Just my opinion.
(Newbie to knives, oldie to guns)

Grooves are "V" shaped, with one bevel being longer than the other. I'm inclined to believe that it is very late 19th, early 20th century. Possibly made for an older person, more accustomed to older designs. Kinda like the Murata bolt action guns, made in the form of a Tanegashima. The hammer "mouth", is deeply recessed. Being made like that, would accommodate a paper cap, or pill, as well as standard percussion cap.

I posted a link to this to a friend who is a working gunsmith and restorer, and he thinks it a 20thC piece....

I would agree 20th century. Hammers shaped as dolphins are not uncommon, i would say. But then, not questioning this is an operational gun, it looks however rather 'artificial' for a serious weapon :o .
Maybe i am on the wrong impression side, though :shrug: .

Yes, apparently this is a design which is quite prevalent now that i search it out. The first photo is of a pistol of unknown origin and the second is from a Belgian double barrel (a bit fancier), both 19th century . The shot of just the hammers are modern made and they claim it is a copy of a 19th century design by an Ohio gun maker. So i guess the dolphin hammers do nothing in determining origin of the original weapon here. :shrug: