Ref 3964. A very scarce British 6 shot bar-hammer .40 percussion pepper-box revolver. C. 1840-1860. .40 Muzzleloader

Largest selection of genuine antique weapons for sale in UK. See our website andrewbottomley.com Ref 3964. A scarce British 6 shot bar-hammer .40 calibre percussion pepper-box revolver of unusually larger size than most. Circa 1840-1864. Engraved on the back-strap with the makers name Liversidge Gainsbro. John Liversidge had a workshop at Market Place, Gainsbro, Lincs, from 1840 to 1864. The side-plates and and bar hammer engraved. Decorative iron trigger guard. Birmingham proof marks to the 6 inch barrels. Butt trap in the bottom of the butt for storage of percussion caps. Finely chequered grips fitted with an oval escutcheon. Action in working order with a strong spring. In good overall condition showing hardly any signs of wear or use. Often referred to as the gun that won the east the pepper-box was primarily used for civilian self-defence. A pepperbox wielding person wouldn’t aim the pistol but rather shoot from the hip, holding the gun low and pointing at the largest area of the target in front of them. Whilst smaller pistols were preferred by civilians, larger varieties were favoured by gold prospectors of the California Gold Rush, for protection against rival prospectors, robbers and Indians. Although intended for civilian use, many military men made private purchases of pepperbox pistols and carried them into battle as a last line of defence. This pepper-box is an unusual size and is a rare item. Overall length 9 inches. Ref 3964. This is an obsolete antique item and is sold as a collectors item only. No Licence is required in the United Kingdom. If you wish to purchase this item please visit our website andrewbottomley.com where you can pay by credit/debit card. Established 1968.