Original Victorian Era Belgian Brass Percussion Vest Pistol with Bag Grip & Liège Proof - Circa 1845

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely percussion vest pistol, featuring a single piece brass body and a lovely "bag" shaped grip. The pistol was made in Liège, Belgium, almost certainly for the European and American export markets. These were quite popular for self-protection, and the small size made them easily concealable in a vest pocket. Pistols like this were equally at home on dark Streets of New York or of London in Victorian England. It features some lovely floral engraving on the sides of the lock, as well as on the tang of the receiver. The pistol measures about 6 ⅝" in overall length, with a 3" smoothbore barrel. It is marked on the left side under the cap nipple with an E / L G / * in an Oval proof, indicating manufacture in Liège, Belgium. There are no other markings on the pistol that we can see, but this is not uncommon, as often these were sold to retailers, who would add their own markings and decorations if desired. The pistol features a very nice wooden