W. W. MARSTON BAR HAMMER PISTOL - .32 CALIBER, SERIAL #196

W. W. MARSTON BAR HAMMER PISTOL - .32 CALIBER, SERIAL #196

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$500.00 ON HOLD

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 172-6142

This is a nice example of a W.W. Marston bar hammer pistol, a compact single-shot percussion pocket pistol made in New York City in the years before the Civil War. William W. Marston was a well-known New York gunmaker who produced a variety of pocket pistols and pepperboxes from the 1850s onward. His bar hammer pistols were popular personal protection arms for city dwellers, travelers, and gold rush emigrants. The double-action bar hammer design has no hammer spur to snag on a pocket or coat, so the pistol could be drawn quickly and fired with a single pull of the trigger.

This .32 caliber pistol has a round barrel with an octagon breech section, a frame with nice scroll engraving on both sides, a ring-style trigger guard, and a classic bag-shaped walnut grip. Serial number 196 is stamped on the underside of the barrel.

The metal has toned to an even brown patina overall, and the engraving on the frame remains crisp and attractive. The walnut grip shows a warm color with light handling wear and small dings consistent with age. The nipple shows some light surface rust.

Mechanically the pistol is in good working order. The double-action trigger and bar hammer both function well.

A handsome and honest pre-Civil War pocket pistol by a noted New York maker that would make a fine addition to any percussion collection.   [cm] [ph:L]

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