Description
Pre-war W. W. Marston & Company factory engraved, 6-Shot .32 Caliber Percussion Pepperbox pistol. These were widely popular among both the civilian population and troops north and south, although highly ineffective in battle. These are often seen in Civil War photographs although generally used as props by the photographer. Made with a bar hammer and standard trigger, the percussion nipples were integrated to the barrels. While simplifying shooting (no manual cocking of the hammer), the bar hammer did preclude the inclusion of a usable sight. These feature a 6-shot barrel that would rotate with each pull of the trigger. This one is stamped on the hammer “New York 1854”. The side of the barrel is also stamped “W.W. Marston &Knox New York”. The trigger does work on this one, however the mechanism that rotates the barrel does not function so you can rotate the barrel freely. Overall the condition is good with a nice aged patina and the grip panels in good shape. Nice example of this iconic pistol.
