1842 58 caliber percussion pistol

[Patrick Chadwick]

Old Gringo referred to an unidentified pistol, no markings, incomplete and heavily refinished.
The examples from Aragorn243 were identified, properly marked, and not refinished. Hence a much higher price range. My observation of the market (and discussions with collectors) indicates that wear and tear may be forgiven as historically inevitable, to an extent depending on the rarity factor, but not irreversible reworking.

Aragorn and myself have thus noted the ends of the spectrum.
Where the Old Gringo pistol lies on this scale is impossible for us to tell, as no photos were presented.

But as a general observation (and I realize that your market will be different), I see many old pistols offered over here - more than rifles or muskets of a similar vintage, since pistols are easily put in a drawer and forgotten for a century or two! And there are plenty of Indian(?) replicas about, some with a touch of artificial ageing. After looking at plenty of junk, I eventually acquired a a Belgian .55 percussion pistol within the range that I quoted at the outset, and a Westley Richards in .69 caliber for a price a little above the upper end.

Percussion pistols seem to be the most common type of muzzle-loading firearm on the market. Hence a strong price-sensitivity to condition, finish, marking and completeness.

Old Gringo, if you could produce photos of the pistol concerned, we might be able to depart from generalization and reach a more specific conclusion!

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