Original Victorian Era Belgian Side Hammer Rifled Percussion Vest Pistol with Bag Grip & Liège Proofs - Circa 1850

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely percussion vest pistol, featuring an octagonal rifled "turn off" barrel and a lovely "bag" shaped wooden 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. The pistol measures about 8 ¼" in overall length, with a 3 ¼ rifled barrel. There are cuts into the interior muzzle for removal of the turn-off barrel, however the barrel joint is unfortunately seized at present. It has the usual "box-lock" design, however unlike most we see, this has a hammer on the side of the action, and not on top. It is marked on the left side of the frame with an E / L G / * in an Oval proof, indicating manufacture in Liège, Belgium. The right side of the frame is marked with a CROWN / LH in a