Circa 1855. The pepperbox revolver enjoyed a popular if rather short lived life during the mid-19th century with examples demonstrating local tastes in design and decoration encountered from Great Britain, Belgium and America. Whilst most are of a compact size destined for a gentleman’s overcoat pocket as a last line of self-defence, this enormous pepperbox was ordered by someone expecting to encounter an assailant, whether human or beast, where ultimate stopping power was the order of the day. Being produced in .577 calibre it is likely that the original owner was a military man bound for a far-flung corner of the British Empire where a fearsome weapon like this could mean the difference between survival or death. With blued fluted barrel block respectively numbered from “1” to “6” at the breech ends of each barrel and struck with London black powder proof marks within the flutes. The muzzles are engraved with a wide band of stylised foliage and the top of the number “1” barrel is signed “JOHN BLISSETT, 322, HIGH HOLBORN, LONDON”. Blissett, a highly respected Victorian London maker, is recorded at 322 High Holborn, London between 1851 and 1866. Box lock action finely engraved with scrollwork, fitted on the left side with a belt hook and signed “JOHN BLISSETT/322 HIGH HOLBORN/LONDON” within an oval on the right side. Bar hammer engraved en suite and with sliding thumbpiece safety catch. Finely checkered walnut butt with small silver oval initial escutcheon, and iron furniture comprising trigger guard and butt cap engraved en suite with the action, the butt cap with hinged trap cover engraved with a rosette.

The barrel block retains 25% original blued finish within the flutes, the remainder a grey patina with light pitting marks. The signature, engraved foliate band and other marks are clear. Action has clear and crisp engraving throughout and retains faint traces of original casehardened finish in sheltered areas. Checkering generally good with the occasional blemish and bruise. Mechanically excellent. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection.