Unusual pocket knife gun

Horstheld Antique handguns ^ | not listed

[HuntsvilleTxVeteran]

Very rare one off pistol combination.

[HuntsvilleTxVeteran]

unusual and probably unique pistol equipped with a barrel for .38 caliber percussion smoothbore, a folding corkscrew which doubles as trigger, a folding blade and a folding sailor's awl. The barrel shows a Damascus pattern and the mandatory Belgian proof stamp ELG *, the awl is 4½" long, the corkscrew/trigger is circa 2", the blade measures 3½", the scales are made from marine ivory, probably walrus tusk. It is made during the percussion period 1850's - 1860's, good working order, showing the expected use. A scarce oddity that may have use in the whaling trade. $5,250.

[driftdiver]

Cut and shoot your self by accident at the same time. Interesting.

[al baby]

I like it

[al baby]

Sailors awl we call it a fid

[JoeProBono]

Single shot pocket knife with awl and cork screw

[driftdiver]

That guy has some other very intersting collectibles on his website. A LOT of history there.

[cripplecreek]

Cut and shoot yourself as you’re opening a bottle of wine.

[weps4ret]

Sorry, it would be called an Awl if it was for leather work. A “Marlin Spike” for small line work, a “Fid” for larger lines, and a “Commander for very large mooring lines.

Gunner

[al baby]

But can we both agree what the cork screw is and what one does With it

[Daffynition]

Then there's overkill..........

[driftdiver]

That looks like an assault knife.

[yarddog]

I have a Swisschamp which at least at one time was the ultimate Victorinox. It is not quite as large as that but still too big to fit in your pocket comfortably.

My favorite for everyday carry is the Super Tinker. I bet I have 40-50 different Victorinox and Wenger knives. Most of them very useful.

[Daffynition]

I hear ya. I have a drawer full too but for the past several years have been carrying a “Squirt” which I like a lot for everyday.

[Daffynition]

[ansel12]

I've seen a boy scout looking pocket knife that fired a 22 round. The retired New York cop said that Al Capone had several made for gifts and that the one the cop had was used to fire at him (the cop)in a nightclub.

I tried to buy it but the guy still used it for a self defense tool, in fact he had it out in the open (handling it) during our meeting in his kitchen and did not reveal it to me until after he had already vetted me for about 30 or 40 minutes in conversation, he was a pretty cagey old guy.

It was very similar to this with the cartridge and barrel inside the knife, even after knowing you couldn't tell unless you looked directly at the tiny barrel opening.

[Still Thinking]

I don’t know. “Tiny barrel opening” and “self defense tool” don’t normally show up together in Still Thinking’s doctrine.

[ansel12]

Being able to have a gun on someone without their knowing it while you are chatting at a table, is quite a thing to be able to do.

Even in your own home that first free shot into someones face would be a nice way for you to start the scramble for your pistols.

[weps4ret]

Indeed, and I suspect we can agree on the purpose of the gun barrel also.

Gunner

[Still Thinking]

I know. I could actually see the tactical advantage. I was just joshing more than anything.

[Tainan]

There is a museum here owned and operated by a very wealthy industrialist family. Its 4-5 stories large and has mostly European artwork and such. However a large section of one floor is devoted to arms. From the earliest to about 1890 or so. Lots of swords, knives, daggers, armor pieces, etc.
I discovered in the collection a couple of examples of "Sword Guns."
Actual swords with a matchlock barrel along one or both sides of the blade. I had seen pictures in books but this was the first actual examples I've ever seen.
All the pieces are in excellent condition.
Here is the web site of the museum:
http://www.chimeimuseum.com/english/index.aspx

A question - Are you the gentleman I spoke with about pigeon racing?