Antique Percussion Cap Pistols 19th Century

Name: Pair of Very High Quality Antique Pistols
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1173197
Price: 950 GBP
Availability: InStock

FURTHER BROWSING

Visitors also looked at these ⇣

Black Powder Percussion Sporting Rifle

1800

19th Century Officers Percussion Pistol London Maker

19th Century

Italian Brescia-type Flintlock Holster Pistol Decorated with Brass Furniture, Circa 1780–1800

18th Century

18th Century Flintlock Pistol Knubley- London

Georgian

Pistol Percushion Tower 1853

1850

English Queen Anne Flintlock Turn-off Pistol, Thomas Henshaw, London. Circa 1720–1735.

18th Century

British Tower Flintlock Pistol, C.1770–1815 — Crown/gr & Tower Marked; Lock Stamped “Brasher”, Brass Furniture, Walnut Stock with Period Wear; Flintlock Action in Working Order. A Solid Napoleonic-era Service Pistol.

Georgian

French Model 1777 Cavalry Musketoon Variation

1800

British Light Dragoon Flintlock pistol, Late 18th, Early 19th Century. 14 Bore.

Georgian

1858 Enfield Musket/ Rifle 1st Essex Volunteers

19th Century

American Late 18th Century Flintlock Musket/rifle

18th Century

C.1840's French Percussion Carbine with Socket Bayonet

19th Century

Strictly Vetted Dealers

Secure Transit

Sustainable Choice

Frequently Asked Questions

Strictly Vetted Dealers

Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.

Secure Transit

Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.

The Sustainable Choice

Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.

FAQs

Developed in the early 19th century, percussion cap pistols replaced flintlock mechanisms by using a small copper cap filled with explosive compound to ignite the main gunpowder charge. This system offered far greater reliability in wet weather and became the dominant firearm technology during the mid-Victorian era.

Pistols from this era were typically constructed with dense hardwood stocks, most commonly European walnut, paired with forged steel barrels and iron lockwork. Fittings and ramrod tips were frequently fashioned from brass, while higher-grade examples featured hand-chequered grips and detailed steel engraving.

Authentic 19th-century percussion pistols display clear proof marks stamped on the underside or side of the barrel, hand-engraved scrollwork on the lockplates, and natural age-related patina on the metal and timber. Mechanism components like the hammer and trigger should show precise fitting and hand-tooled joinery.

A paired set of antique pistols can be displayed inside a custom glazed shadow box, mounted on dark timber panels, or styled on a library shelf alongside leather-bound books and brass instruments. They serve as compelling historical accent pieces on office desks or mantelpieces.

Keep metal components lightly dressed with a neutral microcrystalline wax or gun oil to prevent oxidisation, taking care not to saturate the timber stock. Display the items in a climate-controlled environment away from direct sunlight, excess moisture, and extreme temperature fluctuations.

Booths

Pair of Very High Quality Antique Pistols