Johann J. Peterlongo Austrian .36 Cal Percussion Target Pistol, Antique
Sold For: $1,500
LSB#: 200923YH01
Make: Johann Peterlongo
Model: Percussion Target Pistol
Serial Number: None.
Year of Manufacture: 1854-1898 (likely 1870s or earlier)
Caliber: .36 Caliber
Action Type: Single Shot Percussion Cap and Ball Black Powder Pistol with Single Set Trigger
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “J. PETERLONGO IN INNSBRUCK” in gold inlay. There is decorative relief engraving on the metal parts with some silver inlay and a gold bordered bird scene on the lockplate with the birds also done in gold. The hammer has two gold inlaid “eyes” on the front with the engraving making the hammer look like some kind of animal.
Barrel Length: 10” Octagonal, 0.865″ across the flats at the front of the nipple housing, 0.815″ at the muzzle, swamped with a minimum diameter across the flats of approximately 0.780″.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “V”-notch mounted in the barrel tang with a square adjustment screw behind to adjust for elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece carved and checkered walnut with schnabel-like tip on the forend, steel guard and grip cap. There is a crack which extends from the left of the breech down and forward across the left wedge escutcheon, a crack between the lockplate and nipple housing, and a third from the front of the nipple housing forward across the right wedge escutcheon to the front edge of the forend. There is a gouge on the top-left above the lockplate mounting screw. There are some other scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The fine checkering shows handling wear, but is generally well defined. Overall, the stock is in about Good-plus condition as repaired Antique.
Type of Finish: Browned, Case Color, Silver & Gold
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray with sharp rifling. There is light erosion scattered through the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 75% of its metal finish. Most of the balance is in scattered light surface oxidation which blends well with the browned finish, most notable toward the muzzle end of the barrel. There is light operational wear on the lockplate from the hammer. There is light erosion around the nipple. The screw heads range from sharp to disfigured with useable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good-Fine condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock safety position.The trigger is set by pushing forward until the trigger clicks. When set, the trigger is very light and crisp. When not set, the trigger is a little heavier, but still crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be required to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: This is a percussion target pistol made by Austrian gunmaker Johann Peterlongo in Innsbruck, tucked away in the Austrian Alps. The pistol shows wonderful craftsmanship as well as beautiful engraving with silver and gold accents. The front sight is drift-adjustable in its dovetail and the rear sight can be adjusted for elevation with the use of a square-head screw on the breech tang. The pistol also has a nice single set trigger. In its time, it would surely have been a great target pistol and it remains a beautiful piece for the collector today. The cracks in the stock may not permit extensive firing, but the pistol does retain a more than decent bore and strong mechanics. This is a beautiful piece to add to any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable: This percussion pistol CAN be sold and shipped direct in California.
