{"product_id":"rare-british-percussion-double-barrel-knife-pistol-london-c-1850","title":"Rare British Percussion Double Barrel Knife Pistol, London c.1850","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis fascinating \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBritish percussion double-barrel knife pistol\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, manufactured in London circa \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1850\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, represents one of the most ingenious and unusual forms of Victorian personal defense weaponry. Combining a concealable firearm with a spring-deployed fighting blade, the pistol features two side-by-side approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e.50 caliber barrels\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e measuring 3.75 inches in length. Mounted between the barrels is a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3.75-inch triangular knife blade\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e that deploys via a pull lever located above the rear barrel tang. The pistol additionally features double triggers, finely engraved dolphin-form hammers, a swing-out ramrod, belt hook, and a checkered walnut grip fitted with a foliate-engraved storage compartment butt cap. British proof marks, including Crown over V inspection marks, remain visible on the underside of the barrels, while the blade housing bears a Crown over M.L. marking.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCombination weapons have long fascinated collectors because they represent attempts to maximize effectiveness in an era before repeating firearms became commonplace. During the mid-19th century, travelers, merchants, officers, and private citizens often sought compact weapons capable of providing protection at both close and contact distances. Knife pistols such as this offered two immediate shots followed by a rapidly deployable blade, making them among the most formidable personal defense weapons of their day. Due to their complexity and relatively high manufacturing cost, far fewer were produced compared to conventional pistols, contributing significantly to their rarity today.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVictorian-era knife pistols remain among the most collectible and visually striking categories of antique firearms. The combination of London manufacture, dual barrels, spring-activated blade, engraved details, and fully mechanical operation creates a display piece that immediately captures attention. Equal parts firearm, dagger, and mechanical curiosity, this remarkable weapon is an outstanding example of 19th-century ingenuity and would make a centerpiece addition to any advanced collection of antique arms and curiosities.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"x_MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhy Buy From Us?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul type=\"disc\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"x_MsoNormal\"\u003e5-star rated store trusted by collectors\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"x_MsoNormal\"\u003eFast, reliable shipping\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"x_MsoNormal\"\u003eExpertly handled collectibles, always packed with care\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Collectors Crossroads ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44087127441482,"sku":"FR0015","price":8000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0272\/8519\/2778\/files\/Rare-British-Percussion-Double-Barrel-Knife-Pistol-London-c_1850.jpg?v=1787231504","url":"https:\/\/collectorscrossroads.com\/products\/rare-british-percussion-double-barrel-knife-pistol-london-c-1850","provider":"Collectors Crossroads ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}