Several years ago, I came across this piece in a pawn shop/antique store. It was very unique (to me); and at $300, I thought I paid a pretty good price for it (maybe I did; that, I don't know). I mainly got it because it matches my living room décor, so I'm happy with it either way.
I was able to find out a little bit about it, but there's not really a lot to go on. I'll include the links to what I found as I go, and I'll finish with some pics. If anyone here has more knowledge, or if I got something completely wrong, I'm very open to learning.
Here goes...
Through a Google search of the proof, I found a
blog (generally I don't trust them, but this one seems to be fairly well researched--at least to me) that mentions Belgian proof marks. According to a 1978 article in
The Gun Digest, as quoted by Mr. Cox, the proof appears to be from approximately 1810-1853 (It could also be the proof used from 1846-1924 for handguns.). Mr. Cox also stated, according to a book from 1910, that the particular proof mark used, signifies that the firearm was produced in the city of Liege.
I found a couple other close examples
here and
here. Mine isn't nearly in as good of a condition as those, but they appear to be similar in manufacture.
ETA: Also found out it's a box lock flint, not a flintlock.
It appears a repair was made for some reason, at some point. I'm not familiar enough with inner workings of this thing to make a guess, though.
Comparison to a .40 cal round. I have no idea what caliber the pistol is; perhaps a .45 or a different old-school, off-the-wall size?