19th Century Ames Type Percussion Belt Pistol (Possibly US Navy)

A very interesting percussion belt pistol with Ames type concealed hammer side lock as used on the US Navy Percussion Service pistol (which despite the lack of markings, I believe this to be).

All steel components have an even dark patina and the brass trigger guard and buttcap have likewise been left and have a pleasant aged patina.  

There is a faint stamp on the barrel, which I think is 32 and it looks as though this number is also stamped into the stock above the belt hook, next to the octagonal section of the barrel.

There is also a clearer stamp of I M within an oval cartouche on the trigger guard.

The mainspring is strong and the action is good in half and full position.  

There is some bruising to the woodwork, but overall this pistol is in good condition.

A very interesting pistol, not only with possible US Naval connections, but with the concealed hammer.

Having looked further into this, this pistol is definitely not the M1842 AMES US Navy Pistol as there are just too many differences.

I believe it to be perhaps an earlier model (maybe as a trial) as it retains the belt hook and longer barrel that earlier US Navy pistols had.

I haven't been able to find anything quite like it. 

Barrel length 19.5cm, Overall length 35cm.

This antique pistol is considered obsolete and non functioning, and is sold as a collectable item. This product is available for purchase in the UK without a license