Boot Pistol Antique Gun Percussion Cap 1860s RARE (Los Angeles, CA)

Boot Pistol Antique Gun Percussion Cap 1860s RARE

This is a boot pistol made around the 1860 s. Its percussion cap mechanism allowed the carrier to conceal it in a boot. Prior to this design pistols used a flint lock mechanism and gunpowder could be easily spilled making it risky to conceal in such a way. The overall design of this pistol is somewhat crude as is common for this style. The boot pistol became popular immediately and many gunsmiths began producing them quickly. This model has a basic design with wood grip octagonal barrel an a long metal tab at the base of the barrel. The trigger is at the left side and can be operated by the thumb. There is general use wear and a crack on 1 side of the wooden grip. The trigger mechanism seems to operate soundly. The length is 8 ins. This is an unusual gun for an collector of antique firearms....