Antique poker box with a pair of matching percussion pistols

[jacon4]

Thought so. Belgian. Liege proof marks and dates them around 1900

Hmmmm, the feds consider any gun manufactured on or before 1898 as an antique and exempt from  federal gun laws. It would be ALOT easier to sell  what looks like a late 19th century gamblers kit if  guns were made before 1898. Some of these gamblers kits are very valuable, naturally, it all depends on the details, date of guns, is kit complete, condition, etc. I would have this checked by an appraiser that specializes in arms.

[Ipcress]

Thought so. Belgian. Liege proof marks and dates them around 1900

Hmmmm, the feds consider any gun manufactured on or before 1898 as an antique and exempt from  federal gun laws. It would be ALOT easier to sell  what looks like a late 19th century gamblers kit if  guns were made before 1898. Some of these gamblers kits are very valuable, naturally, it all depends on the details, date of guns, is kit complete, condition, etc. I would have this checked by an appraiser that specializes in arms.

Strictly speaking those marks date it 1893 or later. It's the other items which are giving me a date of around 1900. Therefore an auction house can date the pistols as circa 1893, thus ' navigating ' the law.

The case deserves to be in a really fine sale. Depends where the original poster is in the US.

[Rauville]

Hmmmm, the feds consider any gun manufactured on or before 1898 as an antique and exempt from  federal gun laws. It would be ALOT easier to sell  what looks like a late 19th century gamblers kit if  guns were made before 1898. Some of these gamblers kits are very valuable, naturally, it all depends on the details, date of guns, is kit complete, condition, etc. I would have this checked by an appraiser that specializes in arms.

I wouldn’t worry about running afoul of the law with that pair of muff pistols. Black powder muzzle loading firearms have always been exempt from federal firearms laws, regardless of age. Some state and local governments might have an ordinance regarding the carrying of them loaded, but common sense would keep you out of trouble.
 

[Ipcress]

That's the law here in the UK. Percussion pistols like these are fine. It's pinfire which are illegal without the relevant documents / deactivation certs.

[jacon4]

Yeah, the whole gun thing here in the USA is weird considering that the constitution says "the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed"

Bottom line? if it's 1898 or earlier, anyone can sell those guns, if it's 1899 or later, you need a federal gun license to sell arms.

[tjl11683]

Thanks for everyone's help.  I decided to list the box for sale on gunsamerica.com for $1,750.00 which I think is a reasonable price.  Here is the link if anyone is interested.  Thanks again for all of your input.

http://www.gunsamerica.com/978007314/Poker_Case_with_matching_percussion_pistols.htm

[Ipcress]

The proof mark is ELG, not LEG.

[KC]

Beat me to it Ipcress!  Good catch!

[tjl11683]

Thanks! noted and corrected.

[KC]

Finally found the site I was looking for...try and contact these folks and see what they have to say
http://www.oldwestantiques.biz/page19.php#

The thing that is so unique about yours is dueling pistols!  Typical to see a single pistol!  Some examples..

ANTIQUE PISTOL, GAMBLERS TRAVEL BOX, CARDS & CHIPS realized $900 at auction but different gun
http://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/6901741

1890's Gamblers Box
http://www.purecowboy.us/1890%27s%20Antique%20Gambler%27s%20Set%20with%20Derringer.htm

[jacon4]

agrees, the ones i have seen that command big money had a single pistol, usually a colt revolver with gambling items that were identified with a known gambler

[bigwull]

Although I am very anti gun....i,ll have to say that i don,t think these are duelling pistols...duelling pistols generally have a longer barrel...these short barreled pistols..would have a very limited range...coupled with the fact that they are smooth bored,...means ..that very quickly after the ball has left the muzzle..the effective range...would be minimal.....not 20yds..as was the norm distance......but could be closer..depending on the severity of the insult...

[Ipcress]

They're just pocket percussion pistols.

Place them in your trousers and when the guy opposite cheats a Royal Flush, shoot his knackers off 

[bigwull]

Yeah!!...wide eye,d and ball less....as opposed to wide eye,d and legless.....

[Rauville]

Yeah!!...wide eye,d and ball less....as opposed to wide eye,d and legless.....

Really...with the few chips in this kit the game probably never lasted long enough to have to shoot it out.