North American Auction Company
Live Auction

Old West & Firearms New Years Sale

Sat, Jan 12, 2019 12:00PM EST
Lot 96

Early and Rare Duck Foot Pistol

Estimate: $2,000 - $2,800

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$50 $10
$100 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$25,000 $2,500
$100,000 $5,000
Percussion “DUCKFOOT” three barrel pistol, by W. B. Radney, London, England, c.1850. These unusual multi-barrel pistols were designed to fire all three barrels simultaneously. The approximately 2 1/8” barrels of .38 caliber are affixed to the breech in such a manner that the center barrel is pointed directly ahead while the left and right barrels are aligned slightly to each side. This type of pistol was used to keep more than one threat at bay! It could be loaded with a single round ball in each barrel, shot in each chamber, shot and ball or any combination. This example is in superb condition with clear “W. B. RADNEY” makers stamping on the left side of the receiver and “LONDON” marked on the right side. Each barrel is marked with either “1,” “2,” or “3” with corresponding or matching numbers on the breech. This is important as each barrel will unscrew from the breech for either loading from the breech end or for cleaning. Each barrel and corresponding breech end is properly British Proof marked. The hammer has a half cock and full cock. When at full cock there is a sliding safety bar that when pushed in the forward position locks the hammer to avoid a possible unwanted discharge. Both the hammer and sliding safety function properly. The walnut handle is solid, uncracked and without chips. The wood to metal fit is very tight and secure. The receiver sides and bottom of the trigger guard have simple engraving patterns with all sharp markings and proof stampings. These rare multi-barrel Duckfoot pistols were especially popular with ships captains and officers to ward off potential mutineers. A few officers with a Duckfoot pistol in each hand would quickly deflate the intentions of any mutinous activities on deck! They were also popular weapons with police for crowd control, and along with the famed blunderbuss shoulder arms were also popular with coach drivers who often had to travel along dark and deserted roads where highwaymen were known to lurk. Duckfoot pistols rarely show up on the collector market today and fine working examples are very difficult for the collector to obtain. No Serial Number. This firearm qualifies as an Antique, and does not require FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check.

Condition

For a complete representation of condition and for additional images please call 800-686-4216. It is the buyer’s responsibility to view each image and preview the item to determine condition.
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