Description
A very good ca.1840s English-made percussion pistol by John Wadsworth. Damascus barrel is 4.5 inches long, .44 caliber. Barrel is very thick, inlaid with German silver and brass at the breach, with inset German silver front sight, and engraved London on the top flat. Vestiges of original browning remain on the underside of the barrel. The furniture is nicely engraved with scrollwork and floral designs, as is the percussion cap compartment on the butt. Maker-marked on the lock, with Birmingham Proof Company proof and view marks on the inside of the barrel. Lock holds cock, action is nicely-tuned and very light. The break of the handle was repaired well. Ramrod is a current replacement. This was a very nice and far from cheap personal protection handgun when new; midsized, solid English construction, reliable, and in man-stopping caliber.