A mystery pistol...

Midnight Raver · Jun 20, 2013

Let's see if the Forum can figure out what the hell this thing is!

A single shot with a dropping breech and side hammer(so to speak of)...

Forward trigger drops the block, has an extractor on both sides to kick casings out...

Possible ammo- maybe .44-40, .45 Long Colt? So, on to markings...

Right side has 2 A r 1 . 97 .

Right grip has GF or CF, with 2860 under...

Left side has 2860 on barrel, side of breech, and above trigger guard...

Another view of breech top, side hammer, and rear sight...

Definitely unique, kind of like a Contender's granpappy or something! It is rumored to be possibly of Belgian or German origin. If so, it's anyone's guess what type of ammo it used. All I know is that it's old, has rifling, and took rimmed case ammo of the possible speculated dimensions.

Alright, let's see if y'all can help me figure this one out!!! :ugeek:

Tigerstripe · Jun 21, 2013

thats a strange old handgun!

all i got.

HarperJt · Jun 21, 2013

Interesting piece. It looks like a mid/late 1800 target pistol. Is their no other markings? proof markings? (That might tell the country of origin) Have you checked under the grips? Prior to the 1900s manufactors weren't required to put much information on guns.

Choot-um · Jun 21, 2013

Heres what I could find.
Werder model 1869 Bavarian ?lightning? Pistol
11.5x35r Werder
Werder model 1869 Bavarian ?lightning? drop block (similar to a martini action) pistol in caliber 11.5 X 35R Werder. This very scarce and massive Bavarian military breech loading single shot pistol that was nicknamed ?Lightning? because it could fire, with practice, 15 to 20 rounds per minute.

Midnight Raver · Jun 22, 2013

Any pictorial evidence of one? The ammo description sounds very feasible with what I have seen. That sounds close enough for what dimensions I got from the breech. Keep on it people, we can figure this one out!

HarperJt · Jun 22, 2013

Excellent research Choot-em. Thanks to you I found this link

http://milpas.cc/rifles/ZFiles/Pistols/ ... istol.html

Mistory solved. Who else has something intering?

Midnight Raver · Jun 22, 2013

Outstanding!

That's a very interesting piece, I wonder how much one would be worth. As it is of the proper age, no licensing is even needed to own one up here! Of particular note, the example I had my hands on has a safety latch under the hammer. I am wondering if the one in the article had this removed or if it was an improvement on later models- it does have a much higher number.

Midnight Raver · Jun 23, 2013

Now, the big question is how much does one of these go for? The ammo must be nonexiistent due to the age of said piece, so what could the value of one of these be?

I am very curious, as this piece really is a nice curio to have- especially since it is an antique that is not constrained by the draconian laws inherent with firearms these days!

Choot-um · Jun 25, 2013

I found a few for sale in comparable condition to yours that ranged from $1200 to $2500

http://www.gunauction.com/search/displa ... um=7944704

Midnight Raver · Jun 25, 2013

Wow, that one in the pics above went for $1,660 in an auction? Given that this one is in unknown condition pertaining to firing it(and with EXTREMELY scarce ammo), it could still be worth a decent amount of money. Probably best if the barrel is not cleaned out and the pistol sold as is. Boy, my friend is sure going to be surprised to hear what y'all have come up with on this, thanks everyone!