Item Description
Key pistols were used between the 17th century through the mid 19th century and are quite rare. The intended use was for jailers for self-defense and for sounding an alarm. The idea being that the jailer could use the same object to open the cell door and also defend himself in the event that prisoners tried to escape or attack. However, jailer's were not the only users of key guns. Armories and banks also have recorded use of these devices. The earliest key guns were quite primitive, but over time progressed to flintlock versions and percussion cap styles. Very few genuine key-guns remain today and typically have no associated lock.
This example which dated from the 18th century is manufactured from iron and features a well crafted flintlock mechanism with dog lock safety. The key measures 8 inches in overall length and the caliber is approximately .38". Behind the cock is a marking which appears to be an eagle with letter N. We believe this is the Wappen or Coat of Arms for the old German city of Nürnberg, in modern-day Nuremberg. The key pistol is offered in excellent functional condition.
Amazingly, this key also has a matched functional iron padlock. This style of lock is known as a "sliding hasp gate lock" and was a common style for securing doors in the 17th and 18th centuries. The hasp which hinges on the slide bar at the top of the lock can be removed when the bolt within the body of the lock is drawn back by the key. This type of lock would be employed by passing the slide bar through staples or eyes on a pair of doors or a single door and the jamb. Lock measures 13" long by 7" high.
Specifications:
Years of Manufacture: 18th Century
Caliber: .38"
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 4 inches
Overall Length: 8 inches
Action: Flintlock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded
NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these.
- This product is available for international shipping.
IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.
These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers". Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.
Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services.
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon
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