Vintage Arms

Search for vintage arms and you will find shooting clubs, modern sporting guns and reproductions long before an original 19th-century revolver turns up. For collectors who want genuine pieces from the age of percussion and early cartridges, that makes the search slow and the descriptions hard to trust. Wild West Treasures focuses on original pieces from that era, buys each one in person at arms fairs in the United States and Europe, and describes its type, maker and condition in a catalogue that changes daily.

Vintage arms by ignition system

The quickest way to understand vintage arms is to follow the way they were fired. Percussion caps replaced the flintlock in the first half of the 19th century, after which the pinfire cartridge spread across Europe and Smith & Wesson brought the first American rimfire revolver onto the market in 1857. Centrefire cartridges took over from the 1870s, and many collectors build their collection around these steps. Europe‘s contribution to that story is best seen in the pinfire revolvers for sale, while the complete catalogue of antique arms groups the vintage arms by type as well as by maker:

• Percussion revolvers, loaded with powder and ball and fired with a cap
• Rimfire revolvers, from small pocket models to early cartridge designs
• Single-shot pistols, including percussion and early cartridge pistols
• Derringers of all makes, the compact pocket pistols of the 19th century
• Cased revolvers, often complete with their original accessories

What to check before buying vintage arms

With vintage arms, the mechanics say as much as the appearance. A cylinder that rotates and locks properly, a hammer that holds at half and full cock and legible proof marks all point to a piece that has been treated well. Original finish and matching parts usually count for more than a bright restoration, and with cased sets the originality of the case and its contents matters just as much. Because the legal status of older firearms differs from country to country, it also helps to buy from an antique arms dealer who can tell you exactly when and where a piece was made.

Describe the piece you are looking for

Some collectors focus on one ignition system, others on a period or a type of piece. Whatever your approach, a message about any item brings a personal reply on its condition, markings and availability, so feel free to contact us without obligation. New vintage arms join the wider range of original arms of the Old West after every fair, which makes checking back worthwhile.