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Scarce Unmarked Victor Colette Patent Gravity Feed Magazine Pistol

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:800.00 USD Estimated At:2,000.00 - 3,000.00 USD
Scarce Unmarked Victor Colette Patent Gravity Feed Magazine Pistol

Estimate: $2000 - 3000
Premiered at the Paris World Fair of 1855, Liege gunsmith Victor Colette combined the form and purpose of a European target or parlor pistol with the function of the American Volcanic repeater. An open gravity feed magazine is mounted on top of the barrel from the muzzle to the breech. The action features a rising breech with a built in loading lever. When the hammer is placed in the half cock position the breech rises up to accept a new cartridge from the magazine and when the hammer is placed in the full cock position the breech snaps down so that the cartridge is brought in line with the barrel, ready for the hammer to strike the cartridge once the trigger is pulled. The pistol used hollow bullets containing their own powder charge and primer which were similar to the American Volcanic bullet of 1854. The serial number is stamped on the lower barrel flat and the left barrel flat has a Liege ELG proof. The frame has a floral scroll engraving. The hammer has a sliding safety. The one-piece grip is fluted with a light carving near the frame and fitted with an ornate iron butt cap.
BBL: 8 1/2 inch octagon
Stock:
Gauge: 40
Finish: blue
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: VC317
Condition: About good. The pistol has a bright appearance with minor pitting. The grip is very good with some mild chipping around the upper tang and some minor handling marks. Mechanically functions fine.
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