Old BP Percusion pistol, education needed!

[notsorichguy]

I have been unable to find any info about this little pistol via an internet search, not that my Google-Fu is any good......

It says "London" on one side and "Joyner" on the other.

Extensive pitting is evident, the trigger is barely hanging in the trigger guard, there is a pin missing. The bottom tang is missing a screw, so it kind flops about. The top tang has a screw, but it is loose and completely buggered.

The hammer moves, but doesn't ####.

I have seen quite a few pictures of much better examples (but flint lock) on gunbroker selling prices from $300 USD to $500 USD.

I have been asked by a co-worker (handed down from a Great Grandfather) to take a look at this pistol, see if it can be repaired and made to function. In my opinion it is a very simple repair, manufacture a pin, replace the nipple and give it a good cleaning down the bore (its pretty rusty, it wasn't cleaned after its last firing goodness knows when). The big problem to my thinking is will it reduce the value to repair it?, if so how much?

I assume that this is an antique, as such it doesn't require registration.....

Looking for any info at all.....

Here are some pics.






Cheers!

 

[tiriaq]

Those are mechanically very simple pistols. Shouldn't be too hard to get it into functioning condition.
It is an antique, and not subject to registration.
Repair and gentle cleaning will not reduce the value; should enhance it.
Gentle cleaning does not involve wire wheels, rust removers, etc.

 

[notsorichguy]

There would have to be some rust removal, inside the barrel to get it functioning, but other than that there are no plans to "enhance" the finish....

I was more concerned with replacing damaged or missing screws, pins and the missing nipple....

 

[wr.sainsbury]

It looks like a screw barrel and is a generic sort of pocket/muff pistol popular in the 1850's. Simple boxlock action which is actually a little difficult to work on. Value in good unrusted condition is about 450- and flinters about 150- more. When the barrel is removed you will see a recess to take the precise powder charge and the ball is then put un top and the barrel replaced. Neat and simple.