Original Victorian Era British Single Shot Side Hammer Percussion 'Belly Buster' Vest Pistol by Thomas K. Baker of London - circa 1840

Item DescriptionOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely British Percussion 'Belly Buster' Vest pistol, featuring a short large bore barrel, intended for very close range use. It features a somewhat rounded 'box lock' style frame and very interesting 'Side Hammer' design. These are usually top hammer, but as it is percussion, it may have been easier to put the hammer and bolster on the side. It is a very early percussion example, and is marked on the top of the barrel by the maker:-T.K. BAKER.LONDON.Thomas Kerslake Bakerwas a gunmaker in Victorian England, and worked out of 88 Fleet Street in London. He is most known for is 1852 Patent of a 'Longspur' cocking handle for single action revolvers, which did achieve some popularity at the time. In 1857, Frederick T. Baker took over Thomas' business and produced hunting shotguns until the twentieth century. Thomas Baker passed away in his late 70's in 1879.The pistol measures 5 1/2 inches in overall length, featuring a 1 1/8 inch 'turn off' .48' bore barrel, which is no longer removable. It looks to either have a brass washer installed long ago, or was possibly brazed solid. Aside from the maker marks, it has some lovely 'Bank Note' style engraving on the frame, which extends to the top as well, and even onto the trigger guard. It also has a lovely iron butt cap with similar engraving, which has a small compartment for a spare bullet. The underside of the iron frame by the barrel joint is marked with London proof marks: theCROWN / GP'Gunmakers' black powder proof andCROWN / V'viewed' marking from the London Gun Company proof house.The pistol follows the classic style, and is fitted with a very nice finely checkered shaped grip, which is in very good shape. There is an oval escutcheon on the back of the grip, which looks to be made from silver. Overall condition is very nice, and it has a great look, still retaining much of the original finish and engraving. The lock is fully functional, holding at half-cock and firing at full.A really nice mid 19th Century British pocket flintlock pistol, ready to research and display!Specifications:Year of Manufacture: circa 1840Bore Diameter: .48' pistolAmmunition Type: Cap & BallBarrel Length: 1 1/8 inchesOverall Length: 5 1/2 inchesAction: Side-Action Percussion 'Box-Lock'Feed System: Muzzle-LoadedNOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.Shipping RestrictionsThis product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New JerseyThis product is available for international shipping.Payment OptionsNot eligible for payment with Paypal or AmazonLegal InformationIMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.These antique guns are not sold in 'live' condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as 'wall hangers' not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.