What is the difference between a flintlock and percussion pocket pistol?

A flintlock pistol uses a piece of flint striking steel to ignite loose gunpowder in a pan. This represents the older technology seen across eighteenth-century examples. Percussion pistols use an external hammer striking a small cap filled with explosive compound, introduced during the nineteenth century for greater reliability.

How were pocket pistols carried and used?

Pocket pistols were designed for covert personal defence by travellers, officers, and civilians during the Georgian and Victorian eras. Their compact size allowed storage in pockets, muffs, or overcoats. Some variants included folding bayonets or concealed triggers to prevent snagging when drawn quickly in an emergency.

What does a turn-off barrel mean?

A turn-off barrel allows the entire barrel assembly to be unscrewed from the breech for easier ball loading. This design appears often on eighteenth-century Queen Anne type pocket pistols. It removes the need for a ramrod, speeding up the loading process for short-range defensive weapons.