This muzzle loading smooth bore percussion bayonet pistol appears to have been made sometime around the 1850s. This pistol has a spike style spring blade on the left side and these are commonly known as either bayonet pistols, knife pistols, or daggar pistols. While there are a number of percussion pistols of that era which had a spring loading bayonet/knife/daggar attached, this pistol is unusual in that it is also an underhammer. In this case the trigger guard serves as the hammer.
Attempting to identify this pistol is challenging as it is extremely under marked. The pistol only has two visible marks; what appears to be an “X” on the right side rear barrel and the number “7” on the trigger guard hammer. Looking at other underhammers of the period the closest example found was an English Bentley made pistol circa 1850s (Source; Royal Armouries – Jonathan Ferguson – YouTube).
This pistol does not have the Bentley markings or British proofs. We examined under the barrel (removing ramrod holder) and no markings were apparent there. With no other evidence and based on the style of the pistol we are considering this an 1850s period Underhammer Percussion Bayonet Pistol, most likely a copy of the Bentley, and either English or Belgian in origin.
This muzzle loading percussion pistol is in fair to good condition. The overall length is 11 ¼ inches, the octagonal smooth bore barrel is 5 inches, the caliber is 9.3mm (.36 caliber) based on our caliper. The weight comes in at 1.5 lbs.
This pistol has a number of mechanical issue. The trigger guard hammer does not lock back. Given this the trigger does not activate the hammer. There is obviously an issue with the box lock mechanism. The nipple is missing. The bayonet release does work but spring action is minimal. The spike style blade does not lock forward. It appears the locking mechanism has broken.
The wood is good however there is a large piece missing on the left side under the bayonet release. There are minor dings and scratches but overall the finish shows only minor wear.
The metal of the side plate, hammer, barrel, and ram rod shows rust staining spots, tarnish, and wear. The smooth bore shows rust, pitting, and fouling build up.
DISCLAIMER ON FIRING
This pistol is classified as antique. This pistol in its current state is inoperable. The lock mechanism is not functioning correctly and the nipple is missing. Do NOT attempt to fire this pistol.
