This appears to be an
usual mid to late Victorian percussion key pistol. The exposed lock mechanism is
contained within the bow. The trigger is outside the bow and is operated in a
similar manner to the triggers found on the Systeme E. Turbiaux pistols patented
in France in 1882 and subsequently manufactured in the United States by the
Chicago Arms Co and then the Ames Sword Company until 1910. The gun is fired by
squeezing the fist when the gun is held in the hand with the barrel, formed from
the key shank, protruding from between the fingers.
It is extremely
unlikely that this pistol was ever intended to be used. It should also be noted
that numerous key pistols are of dubious authenticity and age.
The key is 9" long
overall with a 6.5" barrel which has a bore measurement of 6.5mm or .25".
Dr Hugo
