For sale is an RGM Co. Flintlock pistol in what we believe to be .50 Cal black powder. Serial number- N/A. We believe it is 50 caliber but can not confirm. Please refer to the pictures for all markings. Has a brass barrel with a cannon muzzle. Brass boxlock action with sides of action engraved. Steel spring-loaded triangular bayonet, released by compressing trigger guard. The 18th century saw a lot of small pocket pistols have quickly deployable bayonets as a backup weapon. This was especially useful as they were single-shot weapons. Combining a firearm and a bladed weapon is an idea that goes back to the 16th century, but the addition of a spring-loaded blade to various flintlock firearms began in the mid-to-late 18th century. They reached their peak of popularity around 1800. The hinged blade, fitted with a spring, folded back along the barrel of the gun and rested against the front of the trigger guard. After firing the pistol, pulling back on the sliding trigger guard released the bayonet into a forward position for use in hand-to-hand fighting., much like a switchblade. This is the type of gun that a Salem captain or officer might purchase, particularly if they were on a privateer during the American Revolution or War of 1812. This type of pistol is a version of what English firearm historian John Nigel George referred to as a "boarding pistol," ideal for use in close-quarter, hand-to-hand combat situations by men at sea. The brass barrel and boxlock, which housed the flintlock mechanism on the interior of the firearm rather than mounted on the side, would have been ideal in the high salt environment of the open ocean to avoid rust.
V1-G2
Barrel Length: 5.5
Bore condition: Good