Searching for info on a little pinfire pistol

[Tyroma]

Hey Gang...

A friend of mine recently found this little pinfire double barrel pistol in her late father's possessions. She asked me to look into what it might be worth.

I'm more of a military arms guy. I'm assuming it's Belgian or French based on the style, but the only proof mark I can find is an oval mark with ODE inside. The springs are very strong, and the lockup is great. The engraving is nicely done, and this doesn't feel like a typical cheap quality pistol. Any info you could provide would be great.

 

[FatCatsDad]

ODE is the proofmark

 

[Tyroma]

ODE is the proofmark

Yes, I figured as much… But I'm not sure of the country of origin. Any idea?

 

[JP]

Could also be spanish made.

 

[R005t3r]

Paging Dr. Tiriaq.

 

[Milspectacles]

Yes, I figured as much… But I'm not sure of the country of origin. Any idea?

I don't believe that is a proofmark, but rather the maker's mark. I've seen some earlier French pinfire pistols that have their name inside an oval on the water table here as well. See some photos of some very early French pinfire pistols here. It does not appear to have any Belgian proofs and based on the styling choices I would lean towards France being the country of origin - likely late 1850s to early 1870s production.

I agree on your thoughts of quality though, these double barrel pinfires almost always have a simple "button latch" locking mechanism with a lateral spring and wedge that locks into the rear barrel lug (much like an inexpensive single shot shotgun) and generally sport folding triggers. The Jones underlever style mechanism paired with the normal triggers & guard is a bit unusual. The grips also appear to be wood, whereas a lot of the Spanish-made guns used Gutta-percha or other period polymers and were destined for the South American market. The only points I really give against it is the lack of rear sights - much more common on Belgian and Spanish trade guns.

 

[DanRR]

French pistol, end of the years 1800's.
Probably made by one of the so many "fourbisseurs" of the time, hence, being not regulation, hard to find the maker.

 

[Tyroma]

Thanks, guys! I'll give it a light cleaning and throw it in the EE to see if anyone is interested.