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NEW ENGLAND Antique “BOOTLEG” Underhammer Pistol
Guns International #: 100867709 Seller's Inventory #: 21912
Category: Antique Pistols - Percussion - Antique Pistols - 1500-1850
Seller's Information
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Seller: AncestryGunsLLC
Company: Ancestry Guns LLC
Member Since: 11/3/16
State: Missouri
Zip: 65203
Country: United States
Phone: (314) 707-7373
International Phone: 314-707-7373
Platinum Seller
Number of Active Listings: 1521
Total Number of Listings: 30279
Seller: FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: Credit Card, Certified Check, Money Order
Description:
NEW ENGLAND Antique “BOOTLEG” Underhammer Pistol
With Nice Curly Maple Bulbous Stock
Here we present an antique Underhammer Percussion Pistol, made circa the 1830s in Connecticut, by H.J. Hale. These are so-called “Bootleg” pistols due to their slim design being advantageous for concealment in the top of a boot. Most makers centered in Massachusetts and Connecticut, and some have been traced to New York, Indiana and Missouri. Makers of underhammers made them one-by-one, by hand, resulting in a wide array of variations—size, barrel length, caliber, etc.—and many may be considered one-of-a-kind. Underhammers were a unique design during the relatively brief reign of percussion guns, and they offered some interesting practical benefits. According to Flayderman:
(a) The extremely simple construction both mechanically and externally, quite often made without an encumbering trigger guard, while in other instances, the trigger guard acts in the dual capacity of mainspring; (b) Affords the shooter, especially on the heavy barreled target types, a much clearer line of sight with no obstructions to interfere with aiming; (c) A decided safety factor in lessening the possibility of exploded pieces from the percussion cap striking one’s eye during ignition.
Another common design element featured on many underhammers is the extremely low bore axis, putting the bore virtually directly in line with the top of the hand. This specimen is one such example. It also features a very appealing curly maple stock with distinct tiger striping. The maker, H.J. Hale, left one of his signature eagle markings on the top of the tang. The other decorative markings are consistent with other H.J. Hale marked specimens. One of the interesting things about Hale was his use of prison labor to manufacture some of his firearms. Specifically, he is known for his partnership with a William Tuller and the Connecticut State Prison warden.
The overall condition is very good. Metal surfaces are smooth. Stock is solid. The bore is rifled and in fair condition. The action is strong.
Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.
Barrel is 4-7/8 inches in length.
Caliber: .36
The bore is fair and the firing mechanism is strong.
Overall condition as seen in photos.
Add a “bootleg” to your collection!
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ancestryguns
$1200
#21912
SOLD
Antique: Yes