need help identifying two pistols

[Antola]

I was told that these are civil war era pistols when I got them. On is a German made boot pistol I believe and the other a a double barrel pistol from the same era. I couldn't find any markings other then some number stamps which match on the parts of the gun I could find them. Thank you ahead of time for any assistance

[rhmc24]

First one is a pinfire pocket revolver, probably made in Belgium, maybe Germany, as early as 1850s. Pinfire is a cartridge that has a little pin on it that sticks out the top and is fired by the hammer coming down on it. It is a folding trigger pocket pistol, probably double action, meaning it could be cocked and fired or fired by trigger pull alone.

Second one is a percussion double barrel muzzle loaded pocket pistol probably dating from as early as 1840s. It is loaded with loose powder and ball and fired by a tiny metal cap that is struck by the hammer. Could have been made in Europe or in the US. Its chief interest to collectors is that it is double barrel. Most of its type were single barrel.

Both pistols might be considered something like the Saturday Nite Special of their time. Fair quality, made in great numbers by many makers, there is little collector interest and low value.

[RJay]

Both could have been carried by individuals during the American civil war, but very doubtful and unlikely. Their only claim to the civil war is that they were both in existence by 1860.

[Jim K]

"Civil War era" is a term sometimes used by sellers to imply Civil War use without actually claiming such. Any firearm (or any other item) that was in existence 1861-1865 could be said to be of the Civil War era. But Civil War use would need solid documentation that a specific gun was carried and/or used by a participant in that war, something else again.

Jim