Collectors of antiques dream of finding rare weapons that have been exceptionally well-cared for. This concept is perhaps best represented by the term "one owner car" in the antique vehicle market; which invokes an antique lovingly protected by a single, faithful custodian over generations.
While the age difference prevents a direct "one owner" parallel in the antique gun world—firearms are centuries older than classic cars—the underlying search for sentiment remains. Collectors of antique weapons often seek out guns that have been held in the same family for generations or in a singular collection for decades.
The reasons for this preference are simple. Antiques kept "off the market" for a significant portion of their existence are generally more original and better preserved than those passed through numerous hands - the more owners an antique has had, the more likely it is that at least some of the subsequent owners may have attempted some degree of ill-advised "restoration," such as refinishing or part replacement, in a misguided attempt to "improve" their investment. However, in reality, it is the guns that are "untouched" and in good honest condition that command premium prices.
It is for this reason, that we are proud to present the guns from our latest acquisition, which directly speaks to the collector's dream: this collection was amassed by a single family in the 1920s and 1930s and was immediately placed into a museum, where it remained until we acquired it late last year. For nearly a century, these guns have been off the open market and under the professional care of a museum. This means the vast majority of these weapons are untouched and completely original; while those do show evidence of repair work, having had this work completed during the late 19th and early 20th Centuries! These are authentic time capsules, which we have chosen to present complete with their original, neatly applied museum ID numbers as a testament to their history. (The numbers can be easily removed with acetone, leaving no damage, but we believe they enhance the story.)
This massive four barrel pepperbox features 7.25" long barrels and is the largest pepperbox we have ever seen. While most pepperboxes could be classified as "pocket models" this large pistol could easily be classified as "belt model" and would need to be carried in a holster - there's no concealing this monster! The action is marked "Mariette Brevete" and was patented by Belgian gunmaker Jean Mariette. It features a very unique "striker" action. . Unlike most traditional pepperboxes that firing via a center-hung traditional hammer mounted in the top of the frame, this double action pistol utilizes a striker mounted on the bottom of the frame, in front of the trigger. Not only is this mechanism unlike virtually any other pepperbox pistol made during the 19th Century, it is also the only style of pepperbox action that fires from the "bottom" barrel, instead of the top. This provides the gun with a very low bore axis; which mitigates felt recoil and allows it to be fired extremely fast!
It is fully functional with a smooth, crisp action. The barrel assembly rotates reliably with every pull of the unique "ring" trigger. The double action striker is in good shape; featuring a flared design which protects the shooter from "cap blast". The hammer snaps crisply on each of the four nipples.
The barrels are roughly .45 caliber. They are each numbered and a designed to unscrew from the receiver for easy loading. The bores of each of the barrels are great condition with some mild rust and pitting. Each of the nipples are in excellent condition.
The frame features beautiful "English Scroll" engraving with some light patina that matches the barrels. The grips solid Ebony are original and fit well.
