[BPLVR87]

Picked this up in the Netherlands from an antiques dealer. He says it's in working order and that he acquired it in France. I think its a dueling pistol from what I can tell. The hammer tension is very strong with almost a hair trigger. A look down the barrel revealed minor fouling, but nothing that can't be cleaned out. A closer look at the pictures will reveal the pistol has some character to it. Please note the dings on the engraving on the stamped side. There are also so large dings in the wood on the right side of the grip near the bottom (See Picture). Unfortunately, that all I know about this peace, but I am very excited to learn more about its history. Thank you all in advance for your time, helping me with this.

Also, I was wondering where I could get an some official paperwork regarding the year and model, as when I return to the United States I would like to bring it with me. The ATF defines an antique by several definition, but for this purpose, looking at their handbook, I should probably provide some proof that it predates 1898. It's obviously a black powder muzzle-loader & percussion cap pistol, which qualifies, but I just don't want to risk its confiscation.

Thank You Again!

 

[rhmc24]

Nice condition,but not a dueling pistol, dating from as early as 1830s to 1850s or later. A cheap pistol in that quality pieces had maker's name, more decorative engraving & carved wood. Cheapness may mean it is not a turn-off type that the barrel screws off to load. A simple pocket pistol ------>

 

[Gabob]

Looks like a screw off barrel

 

[RJay]

rhmc posted, simply a period self defense pistol. Not even a cousin to a dueling pistol, the engraving is " bench engraving " done quick and dirty right at the beanch at the time the pistol was construed by the same worker . I also think it is a screw barrel ( google it ) w Need to see the end of the barrel to say yea or nay. The pistol seems to be in good condition and probably worth a couple hundred but otherwise a common piece of that era . There is no model name or number for that type of pistol, and the time period is as stated.

 

[BPLVR87]

Appreciate the responses everyone! So would you say its definitely pre 1898?

 

[sharps4590]

I don't believe there's any question it's pre-1898. 1898 is well into the cartridge era and I doubt those were even being made by then. As has been mentioned they were cheapies even for their time.

 

[BPLVR87]

I paid 275 Euro - do you think I overpaid?

Also, I tried looking online for information about ELG, but couldn't find much on them. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

 

[Grizzley1]

ELG isn't a firearms corporation, that oval with those letters is the proof mark of the Liege proofing house, all guns passing proof will have that mark stamped on them.

Your little pistol pre dates 1877 because the inspectors mark , the letter with a crown over it, was changed to a letter with a star over it in that year.

 

[Hawg]

I paid 275 Euro - do you think I overpaid?

Also, I tried looking online for information about ELG, but couldn't find much on them. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

Unfortunately I think you did. That comes to 307.00 US dollars.

 

[RJay]

Then again, it cost almost 200 dollars ( what ever that is in pounds sterling ), no Euros wanted thank you and no Yankee dollars, pounds sterling only for a van from Heathrow to London

 

[Joep1200]

Yes thats on the high side if we compare it to auction prices. But note that You bought it in an antique store thats what they ask for these pistols in antique stores in the Netherlands. It appears to be in a good condition though. And "overpaying" depends on what value that it has for You, if i would conpare all my buys with actual trading prices i would almost always overpay.