peashooter85:Unique superimposed load ratchet fire pistol, early to mid 19th century.From Rock Islan
peashooter85:Unique superimposed load ratchet fire pistol, early to mid 19th century.From Rock Island Auctions:“Made by an unknown smith, this pistol started life as a single shot underhammer target pistol before being changed to it’s present configuration. The original working guts of the pistol have been stripped, and a novel single trigger, mutli-hammer arrangement has been installed in its place. A series of 4 percussion nipples have been installed on the upper left flat, each with a single hammer that is lifted and dropped in sequence, muzzle to breech, by a ratchet driven camshaft, which is moved by the spring loaded double action trigger. In operation, four charges of powder and ball would be loaded, one atop another, and then (hopefully) fired one at a time.”Estimated Value: $5,000 - $7,500 -- source link