650 Percussion Launcher Pistol, Dated 1869, Eig Birmingham' And 'joseph Smith'

The 650 percussion launcher pistol, dated 1869, intended for the East India government, is a piece of historical armoury with a pronounced military character. This type of weapon was often used in the British colonies, particularly to equip local troops and representatives of the colonial administration. This particular model has several features that testify to its origin and its practical utility in a colonial military context. The round barrel of this pistol is typical of weapons of the period, designed for robustness and durability. It is marked by a vertically notched rear sight and a boat-shaped blade front sight, testifying to a design favouring accuracy in combat conditions where visibility could be limited. The barrel is also stamped with artillery proofs on the breech, proof that the weapon was subjected to rigorous testing before use to ensure its safety and effectiveness. This type of quality control was essential in the armies of the period, especially for weapons intended for intensive use in the field. The lock is plain and colour-hardened, giving it increased resistance to corrosion whilst remaining aesthetically appealing. It is marked with the name 'BIRMINGHAM', highlighting its place of manufacture, Birmingham being a world-renowned centre for the production of quality guns. The date 1869 is engraved on the lock bar, confirming the period of production. The lock tang is decorated with a queen's crown above a broad arrow, symbolising British government ownership, and the inscription 'EIG', an acronym for East India Government, clearly indicating that the gun was intended for use by colonial forces in the East Indies. The steel hammer is typical of percussion pistols of the period. It is robustly constructed to withstand repeated handling, ensuring long-term use in a military context where reliability was paramount. The stock, made of walnut, a wood traditionally used for weapons due to its strength and stability, is fitted with brass fittings, including a numbered butt and a ring for attaching a lanyard. This feature allowed soldiers to secure the weapon to their belt, ensuring better accessibility in combat situations. The heel of the stock is marked 'FA 3 885', a marking likely related to military inventory or quality control. The brass trigger guard, another typical feature of military weapons of the period, is both robust and elegant. It is accompanied by a flared ramrod stem, intended to accommodate the captive iron ramrod that was used to reload the weapon after each shot. The presence of this captive ramrod is a sign of the simplicity and practicality of the weapon, essential in situations where rapid reloading could be crucial. The left cheek of the stock is marked with a roundel inscribed 'EIG BIRMINGHAM' and 'JOSEPH SMITH'. The latter, probably the contractor responsible for the manufacture of the weapon, adds a personal stamp to the whole, attesting to the care taken in its production. The name Birmingham is reiterated, confirming once again the provenance of the weapon, while the mention 'EIG' reinforces its link with the East India Government. The overall length of the weapon is 35 cm, a compact size that made it an easy-to-handle handgun in a variety of environments, from the Indian jungle to the desert plains, where mobility and lightness were crucial. In summary, this 1869 percussion pistol, signed Birmingham and made for the East India Government, is a fine example of military armoury. Its details, from the quality of its wood and brass to its multiple markings, testify to meticulous production and enduring utility. This item is available for sale in my shop at 57 rue Victor Hugo, 76000 Rouen Possibility of delivery (ask for a transport quote) You can follow me on my Instagram by following this link: https://www.instagram.com/patrick.boussougant/ Back to the shop: Online sale of antique objects and furniture, purchase in complete security (abnantiquites.com)