Unknown Percussion Pistol

[trenchwarfare]

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.

[David R]

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

[fernando]

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 .
Maybe i am on the wrong impression side, though .

[David]

Originally Posted by fernando

Hammers shaped as dolphins are not uncommon, i would say.

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.