c1830s-40s R. ROGERS Rare PILL-PRIMED Antique TRANSITIONAL Utica, NY Pistol Also known as the “PILLOCK” Firing System

Description:
c1830s-40s R. ROGERS Rare PILL-PRIMED Antique TRANSITIONAL Utica, NY Pistol

Also known as the “PILLOCK” Firing System

Here Ancestry Guns presents an antique R. Rogers Pillock Pistol, manufactured circa the 1830s-40s. The name R. Rogers is possible associated with Riley Rogers of Utica, New York, who is known for producing Pill-Primed muskets and pistols. Although, the name “Rogers” is associated with several gunsmiths active in the early 19th century, including those in California, New York, and Philadelphia. A competitor of the percussion lock, the “Pill Lock” was a system of firing that never quite caught on but existed from the 1830's all the way into to the 1860s. The “pillock” system was much like the percussion system, except the user loaded a small “pill” of mercury fulminate into the chamber along with a load of powder and bullet. The hammer would strike the pill, igniting the charge.

The percussion lock was a replacement for the flintlock. Instead of placing powder on a flashpan, having a flint strike steel, and hoping that enough sparks are created to ignite the powder.  Instead the user placed a metal cap filled with some type of shock sensitive chemical, like mercury fulminate. The cap was placed on the nipple, and when struck with the hammer ignited the gunpowder. The pill lock was much different.  Instead of using a percussion cap, a paper or foil "pill" filled with mercury fulminate was used to ignite the powder.  The lock had a hinged lever, which opened to reveal a pan with a special holder near the touch hole.  The pill was placed on the holder and the mechanism was closed.  When the hammer struck the mechanism, it fractured the pill, setting off the mercury fulminate, sending a spark through the touch hole and discharging the round. While interesting, the pill lock would never become as famous as the percussion lock, as the percussion lock was simpler, easier to use, and more reliable. 

The overall condition is good. Original dark brown patina. The action functions, but the hammer does not hold in half cock, and intermittently seats in full. The bore is good for its age and retains serviceable rifling. Some thin cracks are present around the lock and side screw. Markings are legible.

Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.

Barrel is 13-7/8 inches.

Caliber: .40 Pillock

Overall condition as seen in photos.

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$1500

#260530
 

Antique: Yes

Price: $1,500.00
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