Liege Arsenal .50 Cal Single-Shot Percussion Dueling Pistol, Mid-19th Century Antique, 7.75 in Octagonal Twist Steel Barrel, Engraved, Sold AS-IS
This mid-19th century percussion cap dueling pistol stands out with a 7.75 in octagonal twist/laminated steel barrel marked with the French-language legend 'CANON TORS,' engraved lockplate and sideplate, and classic continental styling. It is a single-shot .50 caliber antique that is collectible and possibly French, featuring fixed iron sights, external hammer, and a one-piece wood stock with a fluted grip and steel buttcap with finial. This item will require gunsmithing to reassemble and clean, acquiring of any potential parts, and deep clean. Sold AS-IS.
Condition
Overall Condition: Poor condition.
Bore Condition: Poor - Noticeable dirt, stains, significant corrosion or damage.
Specific Condition Notes: This pistol will require gunsmithing to reassemble and clean. It is currently in a non-functional state.
What's Included
- Liege Arsenal single-shot percussion muzzle-loading pistol (as described)
This pistol is a single-shot, muzzle-loading percussion design in .50 caliber, built for dueling in the mid-19th century and listed as possibly French. The top flat bears the French-language 'CANON TORS' legend, a nod to its twist/laminated steel barrel construction and continental European style. As an antique black powder pistol, it presents period-correct features throughout.
The barrel measures approximately 7.75 in and is octagonal twist/laminated steel. Sighting is via a simple fixed rear notch in a transverse dovetail near the breech and a small bead front sight. The right-side drum-and-nipple bolster includes a clean-out screw. No under-barrel ramrod provision is observed.
The one-piece wood stock has a fluted/channeled grip and is fitted with steel furniture, including a steel buttcap with finial. The barrel is retained by a transverse key with oval escutcheons, reflecting construction practices of the era.
Decorative engraving is present on the lockplate and the sideplate, adding visual appeal and period character. Markings include a five-pointed star stamp, a top-flat 'N° 1314' stamp, and indistinct numerals '1778,' providing useful identifiers for research or attribution.
Operation is by an external hammer with a single trigger, and capacity is one round. The configuration, styling, and markings align with mid-19th century European dueling pistols and support its designation as an antique and collectible example.