A scarce British 6 shot bar-hammer .40 calibre percussion pepper-box revolver of unusually larger size than most. Circa 1840-1864. Engraved on the back-strap with the makers name Liversidge Gainsbro. John Liversidge had a workshop at Market Place, Gainsbro, Lincs, from 1840 to 1864. The side-plates and and bar hammer engraved. Decorative iron trigger guard. Birmingham proof marks to the 6 inch barrels. Butt trap in the bottom of the butt for storage of percussion caps. Finely chequered grips fitted with an oval escutcheon. Action in working order with a strong spring. In good overall condition showing hardly any signs of wear or use. Often referred to as the gun that won the east the pepper-box was primarily used for civilian self-defence. A pepperbox wielding person wouldn’t aim the pistol but rather shoot from the hip, holding the gun low and pointing at the largest area of the target in front of them. Whilst smaller pistols were preferred by civilians, larger varieties were favoured by gold prospectors of the California Gold Rush, for protection against rival prospectors, robbers and Indians. Although intended for civilian use, many military men made private purchases of pepperbox pistols and carried them into battle as a last line of defence.

Sergeant A.M. Chandler of the 44th Mississippi Infantry Regiment, Co. F., and Silas Chandler, family slave, with Bowie knives, revolvers, pepperbox, shotgun, and canteen. The pepperbox is tucked into the jacket of Silas Chandler.

This pepper-box is an unusual size and is a rare item. Overall length 9 inches. Ref 3964. 

This is an antique pistol and is sold as a collectors item only.
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