Guns International #: 103413286
Seller's Inventory #: 36924

Category - Antique Pistols - 1500-1850 - Antique Pistols - Percussion

Category
Antique Pistols - 1500-1850
Antique Pistols - Percussion

Beautiful! Wm Chance & Son Travelling Belt Pistol Manufactured in London 1840-1850, w/ "German Silver" accents, .50 Cal, VERY RARE ANTIQUE!

Description:
Make: William Chance & Son (London)
Model: Traveling Belt Pistol
Finish: Bright engraved white steel with contrasting German Silver furniture; natural antique patina throughout
Caliber: .50 Caliber
Action: Single-shot percussion
Barrel length: 5 inches
Bore: Smoothbore, octagonal barrel
Grips: Checkered walnut pistol stock with wrap-around checkering, German Silver furniture pieces, and hinged grip cap compartment.
Sights: Original period-correct flattened front bead sight with small rounded rear notch sight
MFG Date: Circa 1840–1850. No SN# or proofs
Features:
• London-made mid-19th century traveling belt pistol
• Extensive scroll-style engraving on barrel, frame, side plates, hammer, screws, trigger guard, belt hook, and other metal components
• White steel major components showing visible heat-treatment lines
• German Silver (also called nickel silver) trigger guard, stock cap compartment, and hinged grip door with warm aged hue
• Integral side belt hook
• Original low-profile sights consistent with period English belt pistols
• Percussion ignition system
Condition: Very good antique condition. The pistol exhibits a desirable, even patina consistent with its age. Engraving remains crisp and well-defined. Metal surfaces show consistent minor finish wear with expected occasional corrosion- great for an almost 200 year old pistol. German Silver pieces are in excellent shape with light verdigris. Wood grip is well-preserved for its age, showing minor handling wear and light scuffs but no abuse. An honest, untouched example. Missing correct metal butt ram-rod.
Shipping Cost: $100
Tech: SRD.123025.3999

This is a highly attractive and well-preserved English traveling belt pistol by W. Chance & Son of London, dating to approximately 1840–1850. Designed as a trade pistol for American pioneers and fur traders, these pistols were crafted with high quality features for maximum trading value to Indian Tribes.
What truly sets this example apart is the extensive scroll engraving much of its steel surfaces, a hallmark of quality London gunmaking. The white engraved steel contrasts beautifully with the aged German Silver furniture, while the wrap-around checkered walnut stock adds both elegance and secure handling.
Unlike many belt pistols that were made without sights, this example retains its original, period-correct front bead and small rounded rear notch sight, a practical but understated feature typical of English pistols intended for real-world use. Their low-profile design is consistent with the era and preserves the pistol’s clean lines.

In very good condition for its age, this pistol shows only light, honest wear with an appealing and collectible patina. The engraving remains sharp, the wood is well cared for, and there is no evidence of modern alteration.

A fine candidate for the advanced collector of British percussion arms or American history collectors, an excellent display piece, and a tangible example of early Victorian-era craftsmanship. Quality London belt pistols with engraving, originality, and this level of preservation are becoming increasingly difficult to find.

Curio/Relic: Yes
Antique: Yes
Handgun Caliber: .50

Price: $3,999.00