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*SOLD SOLD (23/04) *VERY RARE**MINT BORE**Austrian Augustin Tube Lock Ignition System Kavalleriepistole M-1851 (Model 1851) .650 Carbine Calibre Dragoon / Heavy Cavalry Pistol With Vienna Proof Mark. Sn 22540 - 22540 The Austrian Model 1851 Cavalry Pistol, also known as the "Kavalleriepistole M-1851", is a notable example of a single-shot, large-bore muzzle-loading pistol that utilized the Augustin tube lock ignition system, a unique feature that distinguished it from other contemporary firearms. This is an excellent original, unaltered example This pistol was a key weapon of the Austrian Empire's cavalry, representing a transition period from flintlock to percussion ignition systems. It is a large-bore, single-shot muzzle-loader, characteristic of the end of the era of heavy cavalry and dragoons. Some surplus Austrian long arms, including those with the tube lock system, were even delivered to US forces during the early days of the Civil War. The Augustin tube lock system, developed by Augustin, was a unique feature of this pistol. It involved a tube containing the percussion cap, which was then struck by a hammer to ignite the powder charge. This system was designed to be reliable and efficient, even in harsh conditions, and was a significant advancement in firearm technology at the time. The pistol is .650 carbine calibre. The original Augustin ignition system is rare to find making it a valuable collector's item. The pistol has faint Austrian Vienna proof mark at the tail of the lock plate and number 854 (either a weapon number or partial 1854 date) at the centre. Unlike our example some of these pistols were altered to flintlocks, particularly in England, where there was a market for such weapons in Africa and South America. These alterations involved replacing the tube lock mechanism with a flintlock mechanism, requiring new hammers, frizzles, and Birmingham proofs. Our example has a 10” blued steel barrel with proof / inspection marks, blued steel hammer lock plate, Augustin tube lock ignition system which functions crisply and blued steel trigger. The pistol has regulation heavy brass fittings including cudgel butt and long fore end block incorporating a blade fore sight. Correctly there is no provision for ram rod. The pistol is a large 17 ¼” overall length. The pistol’s smooth bore is near mint, clean and bright. The Austrian Model 1851 Cavalry Pistol is a fascinating example of 19th-century military firearms technology. It represents a transition period from flintlock to percussion ignition systems and the evolution of cavalry weaponry. Its unique Augustin tube lock system and its presence in the American Civil War make it a valuable piece for collectors and historians. The price for this very rare pistol in excellent condition includes UK delivery. NB As an antique muzzle loading Augustin Tube Lock pistol no licence is required to own this item in the UK if retained as a part of a collection or display Sn 22540
£100.00
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