Bonhams 1793 : A Very Rare Belgian 40-Bore Montigny Patent Breech-Loading Needle-Fire Target Pistol

A Very Rare Belgian 40-Bore Montigny Patent Breech-Loading Needle-Fire Target Pistol
By P.C. Montigny Bréveté A Fontaine L'Eveque, No. 17, Mid-19th Century

With etched twist octagonal sighted barrel stamped with maker's name along the right flat and rifled with twelve grooves, border engraved action signed within an oval and decorated with foliage, the decoration extending along the lever (some pitting) to a hinged catch at the rear, the action operating against a hinge and cocked automatically on opening for loading, brass stricker-head, figured half-stock with chequered grip (split through) and ovoidal pommel, foliate engraved steel mounts comprising ovoidal pommel-cap, spur trigger-guard, and long trigger-plate with pineapple-shaped finial, the last incorporating a sprung cocking-lever with hinged safety-stop, and set trigger (minor rust patination), Liège proof
25.4 cm. barrel

Sold for £2,000 inc. premium