July 30th 2016 Premier Firearms Sale (20)
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/30/2016
6" barrels. This is a highly unusual large caliber four barrel cartridge pistol. The barrels tip-up with thumb release to allow loading of four cartridges. It is a double action. Each firing pin moves in sequence. Pistol has numerous British proof marks but it is completely void of any maker stamp. Pistol retains approximately 50% of the original factory nickel plating, blending beautifully with the smooth grey metal. Features a high Patridge front sight with blade rear. Beautifully checkered saw handle one piece walnut grip with nickel pommel and lanyard. A very similar pistol can be found on page 66 in the book titled "English Pistols" by Howard Blackmore. In 1881, the London gunmaker H.A.A. Thorn trading as Charles Lancaster, patented a four barrel pistol, the barrels being hinged to the frame so that they drop down in shotgun fashion for loading and extraction. A single, self cocking trigger operated a revolving striker that fired the centerfire cartridges in sequence. The pistols were made in military calibers of .455 or .476 and oval bore rifling allowed either shot or ball cartridges to be fired. We have tested this pistol and it chambers the .455 ammo perfectly. Lock-up is tight as new. Grips are near mint. This is an extremely fine English very scarce large bore four barrel holster pistol in excellent all original condition.