English Lock Percussion Pistol Marked “Van Wart” London.Van Wart was a well-known London Gunsmith. Folding trigger action works perfectly. Brass frame is engraved. Barrels on these small box lock pistols are usually 2” to 2½ length. This barrel is almost 15” and fits the frame perfectly. Barrel is smoothbore.

In our opinion this was most likely a poacher’s gun used for illegal hunting. Pistols such as this could be hidden in a cost or trouser leg, and when the coast was clear the pistol could quickly be used to kill wild fowl on private property. Very fine condition. Certainly, unusual as most poacher’s guns were cut down shotguns. Excellent conversational pistol with a good bottle of Scotch!