help on what i have - The Firearms Forum

Kenny2012 · 06-10-2012, 01:20 AM

i was givin this and dont know exactly what it is could someone help me please the only marking i have found on it is an oval with a +v in it and an oval with a +0 in it

Hammerslagger · 06-10-2012, 12:07 PM

My best inference is that you have a pre-1891 German muzzleloading caplock pistol minus its stock. Needless to say, it appears to be in rather rough condition.

Others more knowledgeable, here, may know more, or disagree with the foregoing.

The "+ over V" proof is probably supposed to be a "crown over V" that was applied to existing firearms, when the German 1891 proof law took effect.

Hope this is in the "ballpark".

P.S.- I did not see the mark you call "+0" in your photos.

deadin · 06-11-2012, 09:38 AM

I'm opting for a "shop-made" one-off. The whole lock mechanism and the breeching are pretty crude. The whole gun looks like it was made up from odd parts lying around the shop. The rear sight is backwards from the normal mounting of that type. The markings on the side of the trigger/hammer housing appear to have come from another long range sight.
Also, the two proof marks are similar to Swiss marks I have seen.

Hammerslagger · 06-11-2012, 09:06 PM

I agree with "deadin" (post #2) in that it seems to be Swiss and not German; but its not likely a "one off" percussion pistol made from miscellaneous odds and ends. There is too much machining and detail for that to likely be the case.

This link might be informative: http://www.swissrifles.com/proofs/

06-10-2012, 01:20 AM	#1
Kenny2012 Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 1	help on what i have i was givin this and dont know exactly what it is could someone help me please the only marking i have found on it is an oval with a +v in it and an oval with a +0 in it Attached Images --> Last edited by Kenny2012; 06-10-2012 at 09:36 PM..

06-11-2012, 09:38 AM	#3
deadin Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 867	Re: help on what i have I'm opting for a "shop-made" one-off. The whole lock mechanism and the breeching are pretty crude. The whole gun looks like it was made up from odd parts lying around the shop. The rear sight is backwards from the normal mounting of that type. The markings on the side of the trigger/hammer housing appear to have come from another long range sight. Also, the two proof marks are similar to Swiss marks I have seen. Last edited by deadin; 06-11-2012 at 09:40 AM..

06-11-2012, 09:06 PM	#4
Hammerslagger Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 1,099	Re: help on what i have I agree with "deadin" (post #2) in that it seems to be Swiss and not German; but its not likely a "one off" percussion pistol made from miscellaneous odds and ends. There is too much machining and detail for that to likely be the case. This link might be informative: http://www.swissrifles.com/proofs/

06-10-2012, 12:07 PM	#2
Hammerslagger Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 1,099	Re: help on what i have My best inference is that you have a pre-1891 German muzzleloading caplock pistol minus its stock. Needless to say, it appears to be in rather rough condition. Others more knowledgeable, here, may know more, or disagree with the foregoing. The "+ over V" proof is probably supposed to be a "crown over V" that was applied to existing firearms, when the German 1891 proof law took effect. Hope this is in the "ballpark". P.S.- I did not see the mark you call "+0" in your photos. Last edited by Hammerslagger; 06-10-2012 at 12:11 PM.. Reason: Add a PS