1864 Terni Arsenal .69 Caliber Percussion Pistol

[jcastaway]

---- Latest Update -----

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We are thrilled with this reconditioned Italian percussion pistol from the Terni Arsenal, now in superb condition and shooting beautifully! Dive into the details below to learn about the reconditioning process, and discover some intriguing facts and performance data.

---- Start of Recondition -----

The images below are the original auction advertisement photos.

A couple of months ago, I acquired this pistol, which was advertised and sold as a French percussion pistol, but it turns out it's actually of Italian origin. Mechanically, it's in fairly good condition, particularly the barrel, though it's covered with years of varnish and dirt and definitely needs a thorough cleaning. I believe it could be a functional shooter, but that remains to be determined.

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[jcastaway]

Some additional pictures pre-conditioning (before). There are scratches, dings, dents, stock cracks, chips and it feels rough due to the layers of stain and varnish.

[smithy]

This beautiful percussion pistol is an absolute beast and was originally crafted by the Terni Arsenal.

0iscover more about the Terni Arsenal here (full article): viewtopic.php?f=29&t=25

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Terni, nestled in the heart of Umbria, Italy, is a city with a storied past shaped by its strategic location at the confluence of the Nera and Velino rivers. Historically known as Interamna Nahars, Terni has been a significant hub since Roman times, evolving through eras of military strength, industrial growth, and cultural richness. At the core of this evolution is the Terni Arsenal, established around 1880, which symbolizes Italy's push towards national unity and industrial expansion in the post-unification period. It served as a focal point for arms production, reflecting Italy's journey through political turmoil and economic disparity, particularly highlighting the contrast between the industrializing North and the struggling South.

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Beyond its military significance, Terni is known as the "City of Lovers," owing to its association with Saint Valentine, whose relics are preserved in the Basilica of San Valentino, adding a romantic layer to its industrial identity. The city's architectural landscape, ranging from the Roman amphitheater to Renaissance structures like Palazzo Spada, embodies its diverse historical narrative. The Terni Arsenal played a crucial role in producing iconic weapons like the Carcano rifle series during both World Wars, adapting to the needs of modern warfare. Post-World War II, as military production declined, Terni transitioned into a steel production center, with modern companies establishing it as a stainless steel hub. Today, while the arsenal's military function has faded, its legacy persists, illustrating Terni's ability to adapt and evolve, weaving tales of love, industry, and resilience into Italy's broader historical tapestry.

[jcastaway]

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About

This Italian percussion pistol, marked "TA 1864" on the barrel, was manufactured by the Terni Arsenal (TA) for naval use. The right side of the barrel near the bolster bears the stamp "TA 1864," and there's a small sunken oval stamp on the bolster featuring a crown over "RA." Originally equipped with a belt hook, which is now broken near the lock mounting screws, this firearm likely dates from the period of Italy's Unification Wars around 1850-1870, which saw numerous naval engagements and expeditions.

While specific details on this firearm are sparse, it fits into the broader narrative of 19th-century naval armament development in Italy, particularly in terms of moving towards more reliable ignition systems for firearms. Its large caliber and probable design features suggest it was intended for use in naval combat situations where power and reliability were prioritized over long-range accuracy.

Initial observations:

• Total Length: 20 inches (50.8 cm)

• Barrel Length: 12.75 inches (32.39 cm)

• Muzzle Diameter: .685-.70 inches in grooves (17.40-17.78 mm)

• Weight: 3 pounds 5 ounces (1.50 kg)

• Design: The pistol has a distinctive design typical of mid-19th century naval percussion pistols. It features a wooden stock with a brass cap on the butt, a rifled barrel, and a percussion cap mechanism.

• Markings: The marking "TA 1864" indicates it was made at the Terni Arsenal in 1864.

The presence of distinctive grooves inside the barrel is characteristic of rifling, which imparts a spin to the projectile for improved accuracy and range.

• This pistol was designed to use a Minié bullet. The Minié ball, developed in the mid-19th century, was designed to engage with the rifling of a gun barrel, providing better ballistic performance compared to round balls in smoothbore firearms. This makes the TA 1864 pistol more advanced for its time, enhancing its effectiveness in naval combat scenarios where precision at a distance could be crucial.

• Historical Significance: This pistol would have been used by the Italian Navy during the mid-19th century, a period when Italy was consolidating its naval power during unification. The design and caliber (.69) suggest it was intended for close combat scenarios, typical for naval engagements of the time.

If you're interested in further details or have any specific questions about this pistol or related topics, feel free to ask. Also, if you'd like me to generate images related to this pistol or similar historical firearms for comparison or educational purposes, I can do that.

This pistol was in excellent condition, though obscured by layers of grime and varnish. We initiated a basic level one reconditioning to help identify it and potentially make it ready for use.

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The "1832" date likely indicates that the brass part, or potentially the entire stock, was originally made in that year, and the pistol was later converted or assembled by Terni Arsenal in 1864. This conversion would have modernized the firearm for contemporary use, incorporating older, possibly valuable or well-crafted parts into a new configuration. This blend of old and new components is not uncommon in historical firearms, especially those with military use.