African Trading Pistol - Sub-saharan Africa, Early 20th Century Or Earlier

African trade pistol - Sub-Saharan Africa, early 20th or earlier

Pistols made locally in Sub-Saharan Africa with European components, such as the lock.

In the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries, Europeans trading in Africa exchanged firearm components (generally obsolete in Europe, such as flintlocks or cannons) as well as wire, sheet metal, brass or copper nails with local populations in exchange for raw materials such as ivory.

Firearm parts and brass and copper materials were then used locally in the manufacture of firearms and edged weapons.

Here, a pistol from these trade exchanges.

European flintlock (the upper jaw of the hammer is missing).
Round barrel.
Wooden barrel decorated with brass plates.

Functional mechanism. Powerful spring, straight percussion.

Overall length 41cm
Barrel length 23cm
Mouthpiece diameter 18mm
Weight 927gr
.