Caplock or Percussion Pistol

Made by John Pearson (gunsmith to Samuel Colt)
Fort Smith, Arkansas
.36 caliber Walnut stock, steel barrel and lock, silver mounts
c. 1860
Length: 9"
Gift of Mrs. G. Lloyd Hollister in memory of G. Lloyd Hollister and G. L. Hollister Jr., M.D.
97.34

Pearson was the gunsmith to Samuel Colt in the mid-1830s, fabricating the patent model Colt revolver. When Colt and Pearson fell out over money, Pearson moved west to Arkansas, where he continued making firearms and trying out innovations. In this pistol the trigger and the hammer are made from the same piece of steel. When cocked, a catch holds the trigger/hammer in place. Pulling the trigger releases the catch and the spring slams the hammer down onto the percussion cap, igniting the powder.