Pair of Japanese .37 Box-lock Percussion SxS Muzzleloader Pistols Antique

SOLD FOR: $2375

LSB#: 220520LB003 & 220520LB004

Make: Japanese

Model: Pair of Japanese Boxlock Pistols

Serial#: NSN

Year of Manufacture: Circa 1891, Antique

Caliber: .37 Caliber on both pistols

Action Type: Pair of Muzzle-Loaded Percussion Boxlock Side by Side Dual Trigger Pistols

Markings: LB003: The grip features a depiction of a samurai on both the left and right sides in addition to a marking in Kanji under the bottom tang. The flank of the left barrel has a Kanji marking.

LB004: The grip features a depiction of a samurai on both the left and right sides (the samurai on the left is unhelmeted) in addition to a marking in Kanji under the bottom tang. The flank of the left barrel has a Kanji marking.

Acoording to a digital translation, the marking on the flank of the left barrel on the two guns indicates the guns were made in Meiji 24 (the 24th year of Emperor Meiji’s reign, 1891).
Barrel Length: Approximately 7.5” on both guns, Cannon style Barrels

Sights/ Optics: There is no provision for iron sights on either pistol.

Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The grip is one-piece engraved animal bone on both guns. The grips have some light handling marks, nicks and scuffs.

LB003: The bottom of the grip has a superficial crack, but it does not appear to be a symptom of misuse or abuse. There is also some discoloration which naturally occurs on animal bone over time. Overall, the grip is in Very Good condition for an Antique.

LB004: The bottom of the grip on this specimen has a similar superficial crack, like the aforementioned it does not appear to be a symptom of misuse or abuse. Also, here are some light nicks on the butt. Overall, the grip is in very Good condition for an Antique.

Type of Finish: Brown and Brass

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The bores are dark with scattered moderate-heavy erosion and verdigris.

Overall Condition: LB003: The pistol retains about 90% of its metal finish. The brass trigger guard is lightly tarnished, has some light surface oxidation and some light handling marks. The now browned barrel assembly has some light handling marks, nicks and scuffs. Notably, there is light pitting under the finish which is concentrated on the bottoms of the barrels, verdigris is visible in some of the recesses including around the muzzles, there is a patch of finish loss on the bottom tang and some discoloration on the hammers. The markings remain clear. The screwheads are only lightly tooled and remain serviceable. Overall, the pistol is in Fair condition due to a faulty mainspring but would otherwise rate in about Very Good condition for a refinished Antique.