This muzzle loading smooth bore percussion pistol appears to have been made in the mid 1800s. There are no external markings to be found. However, upon taking this apart there is a marking on the rear bottom of barrel that appears to be, “Pietro Beretta Gardone”. In researching further we have found another example from auction (see photos) that is extremely similar in style and is just as indistinctly stamped.
Beretta is considered the oldest firearms manufacturer in the world. It began exclusively as a barrel maker in Gardone Italy before expanding into complete firearms in the mid 1800s. This pistol is very much in the style of Italian and Spanish pistols of that era. The Percussion Lock is in the style of the Roman Miquelet Lock in that the main spring exerts a downward pressure on the toe of the cock and the full cock sear acts on the heel of the cock. This was a common development in the later flint lock period shared by Italy and Spain. This particular style of Percussion Lock remained popular with both Italian and Spanish gun makers well into the cartridge era.
In 1832 Pietro Beretta officially named the company Fabbrica d’Armi Pietro Beretta and by the 1840s greatly expanded from just barrels to complete firearms. This pistol does not have the stamping of Fabbrica d’Armi Pietro Beretta or the PB in Crest stamp on the barrel where it is usually found in other early Beretta firearms.
With the lack of the other known Beretta markings it cannot be said for certain that this is a complete Beretta pistol. It is very possible that Beretta made only the barrel and the rest of the pistol was completed by manufacturers in the nearby city of Brescia Italy (a common practice at that time). It is also possible that this barrel started life on a flint lock pistol that was then repurposed to percussion. It does not appear that the pistol itself is a conversion.
Our final conclusion given the profile of the pistol, style of the percussion lock, and the Beretta marking on the barrel is that this pistol was most likely made in Italy or Spain sometime between the 1840s to 1870s using a Beretta made barrel from Gardone Italy. The barrel itself is most likely earlier since it lacks the Beretta markings common after 1832. This pistol’s lack of ornate engraving or proof stamping/numbering also suggest it may have been intended for the commercial market.
This muzzle loading percussion pistol is in very good condition. The overall length is 13 inches, the octagonal smooth bore barrel is 7 inches, the caliber is 16.2mm (.63 caliber) based on our caliper. The weight comes in at 1.6 lbs.
The wood is good with no splitting or cracking. There are minor dings and scratches but overall the finish shows only minor wear.
The brass has tarnish. The metal of the side plate, cock, barrel, and ram rod shows rust staining spots, tarnish, and wear. The ram rod shows rust staining. The smooth bore is very good showing rust and pitting but only very minor fouling. This is a very clean bore by mid 1800s black powder standards.
The trigger and cock (hammer) function as they should. Half cock is low to the nipple, full cock to the back, and moderate trigger pull in working order.
Overall this is a very good example of a Mid 19th Century European percussion pistol.
DISCLAIMER ON FIRING
This pistol is classified as antique. While it functions mechanically as it should it has NOT been test fired by us. A consultation with a reputable gunsmith is advised before trying to shoot this. Extreme caution should always be taken with any antique firearm.
This Beretta percussion pistol would be best utilized as a display piece or as a fantastic addition to any Beretta collection.
