Lot 391: Raith Box Lock Flintlock 'Duck Foot' Pistol

These "duck foot" pistols have long fascinated gun collectors. In this example, four cannon shaped barrels numbered 1-4 at the breech fire simultaneously when the trigger is pulled. If you aimed straight at a single man in front of you at more than close quarters, you might very well miss entirely, but aim at a group of mutineers, rioting prisoners, or a mob, and you very well could hit four people with a single trigger pull. The array of barrels itself might also dissuade would be attackers. This example was manufactured in the early 19th century. There is some scroll engraving on the action as well as "RAITH" on the right. The grip has a silver thumb plate.

Fine as assembled overall with gray and brown patina, mild pitting, dark aged patina on the silver, some minor chipping and cracking in the top of the grip, and moderate overall wear. It functions but hangs up slightly on the half-cock upon firing.