Continental Concealed Gentleman’s Defense Set | in Velvet “Book Form” Case | Circa 1855–1885
Description
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Historical Context & Origin
Region: Continental Europe — most likely a German-assembled gentleman’s concealed traveling defense set incorporating a Belgian Liège percussion pistol. The pistol bears period Continental proof stamping consistent with Liège manufacture, while the accessory container is stamped “Ges. Gesch.” (Gesetzlich Geschützt), confirming late-19th-century German/Austrian patent protection.
Material: Velvet-covered “book form” case with ornate silver-plated mounts; engraved steel percussion pistol; steel double-edge dagger with decorated ferrule and wood grip; carved hardwood powder flask with metal spring cap; turned wood ramrod; German patent-marked metal accessory container; fitted bone/ivory compartment.
Period: Mid–to–Late 19th Century (circa 1855–1885)
Description
This exceptional and extremely rare Continental European concealed self-defense ensemble is ingeniously disguised within what outwardly appears to be an elegant velvet-bound personal book or photo album. Once opened, the case reveals a fully French-fitted velvet interior, housing a formidable percussion pistol, double-edged dagger, miniature powder flask, loading rod, ammunition storage, and accessories — all intelligently arranged and designed for discreet carrying and rapid readiness.
Sets of this nature were typically privately commissioned by gentlemen travelers, military officers, and individuals exposed to risk during the volatile 19th-century European period. Few survive intact. Even fewer retain authenticated Continental proof markings and German legal protection stamps confirming period manufacture rather than later assembly.
Included Components
Percussion Pistol
Large-caliber Continental percussion pocket pistol featuring an octagonal steel barrel, scrolling foliate engraved lockplate, and folding trigger, with a boldly carved grip. Visible proof stamp near the breech is consistent with Liège, Belgium manufacturing — Europe’s leading center for high-quality percussion pistol production during the mid-19th century. Compact yet powerful, built specifically for personal defense at close quarters.
Double-Edged Dagger
Elegant double-edge stiletto-style dagger with bright polished blade. The decorated ferrule displays rich foliate relief, paired with a dark hardwood grip typical of Germanic craftsmanship. Slim, lethal, and refined — a last-resort personal defense blade consistent with period urban travel defense culture.
Carved Powder Flask
A finely executed miniature powder flask, crafted in dark carved hardwood (likely ebony or fruitwood) with detailed ribbing and a working spring-measure cap. This compact gentleman’s flask is both functional and beautifully crafted.
German Patent-Marked Cap / Ammunition Container
Rectangular metal compartment stamped GES. GESCH. (Gesetzlich Geschützt), confirming German or Austrian registered manufacture during the latter 19th century. Used to store percussion caps, balls, or wads — adding critical documentary authenticity to the set.
Decorative Screw-Top Circular Storage Box
A beautifully decorated circular container with ornate raised floral lid design, used for small ammunition components. Finely detailed, further confirming the luxurious nature of this set.
Ramrod / Loading Rod
Turned wood ramrod, correct scale, purpose-built and fitted in its own recess.
Features
- Rare Continental European concealed weapon set
- Velvet-covered faux-book presentation case with ornate silver-plated corner mounts
- Fully French-fitted velvet interior with marbled trim border
- Liège-proofed percussion pistol with folding trigger and engraving
- Double-edge dagger / boot knife
- Miniature carved powder flask with spring-cap
- German-patent stamped accessory container
- Additional ammunition storage compartments
- Designed for discreet gentleman’s personal protection, travel, and covert carry
- Highly evocative artifact of intrigue, danger, and refined engineering
Cultural Significance
During the mid-19th century, European travel could be fraught with risk — from banditry to political unrest. Wealthy gentlemen, diplomats, private agents, and officers often commissioned concealed defensive kits to protect themselves discreetly. This set represents the apex of such craftsmanship: engineered for survival while maintaining elegance and social discretion.
Today, surviving complete disguised weapon sets are extremely scarce and deeply desirable to collectors of antique arms, espionage history, military curiosities, and high-end Victorian / Continental artifacts. This is a legitimate museum-grade example.
Condition
Good antique condition throughout. Velvet case exhibits honest age wear and fading. Silver-plated mounts display patina consistent with time. Interior retains original custom-fit velvet recesses. Pistol and dagger show pleasing patina with strong visual character. Accessories remain intact. Presents with tremendous authenticity and presence.
Dimensions (approximate)
Overall Case Length: approx. 10 inches
Dagger Blade Length: approx. 7.5 inches
Case Thickness: approx. 2 inches
Age
Mid-to-Late 19th Century — circa 1855–1885
Learn More
Explore the historical setting of 19th-century German society in Nineteenth-Century German History
Discover more authentic historical arms and artifacts in our curated Ancient Combat Artifacts, Armor & Weapons Collection
Description
Historical Context & Origin
Region: Continental Europe — most likely a German-assembled gentleman’s concealed traveling defense set incorporating a Belgian Liège percussion pistol. The pistol bears period Continental proof stamping consistent with Liège manufacture, while the accessory container is stamped “Ges. Gesch.” (Gesetzlich Geschützt), confirming late-19th-century German/Austrian patent protection.
Material: Velvet-covered “book form” case with ornate silver-plated mounts; engraved steel percussion pistol; steel double-edge dagger with decorated ferrule and wood grip; carved hardwood powder flask with metal spring cap; turned wood ramrod; German patent-marked metal accessory container; fitted bone/ivory compartment.
Period: Mid–to–Late 19th Century (circa 1855–1885)
Description
This exceptional and extremely rare Continental European concealed self-defense ensemble is ingeniously disguised within what outwardly appears to be an elegant velvet-bound personal book or photo album. Once opened, the case reveals a fully French-fitted velvet interior, housing a formidable percussion pistol, double-edged dagger, miniature powder flask, loading rod, ammunition storage, and accessories — all intelligently arranged and designed for discreet carrying and rapid readiness.
Sets of this nature were typically privately commissioned by gentlemen travelers, military officers, and individuals exposed to risk during the volatile 19th-century European period. Few survive intact. Even fewer retain authenticated Continental proof markings and German legal protection stamps confirming period manufacture rather than later assembly.
Included Components
Percussion Pistol
Large-caliber Continental percussion pocket pistol featuring an octagonal steel barrel, scrolling foliate engraved lockplate, and folding trigger, with a boldly carved grip. Visible proof stamp near the breech is consistent with Liège, Belgium manufacturing — Europe’s leading center for high-quality percussion pistol production during the mid-19th century. Compact yet powerful, built specifically for personal defense at close quarters.
Double-Edged Dagger
Elegant double-edge stiletto-style dagger with bright polished blade. The decorated ferrule displays rich foliate relief, paired with a dark hardwood grip typical of Germanic craftsmanship. Slim, lethal, and refined — a last-resort personal defense blade consistent with period urban travel defense culture.
Carved Powder Flask
A finely executed miniature powder flask, crafted in dark carved hardwood (likely ebony or fruitwood) with detailed ribbing and a working spring-measure cap. This compact gentleman’s flask is both functional and beautifully crafted.
German Patent-Marked Cap / Ammunition Container
Rectangular metal compartment stamped GES. GESCH. (Gesetzlich Geschützt), confirming German or Austrian registered manufacture during the latter 19th century. Used to store percussion caps, balls, or wads — adding critical documentary authenticity to the set.
Decorative Screw-Top Circular Storage Box
A beautifully decorated circular container with ornate raised floral lid design, used for small ammunition components. Finely detailed, further confirming the luxurious nature of this set.
Ramrod / Loading Rod
Turned wood ramrod, correct scale, purpose-built and fitted in its own recess.
Features
- Rare Continental European concealed weapon set
- Velvet-covered faux-book presentation case with ornate silver-plated corner mounts
- Fully French-fitted velvet interior with marbled trim border
- Liège-proofed percussion pistol with folding trigger and engraving
- Double-edge dagger / boot knife
- Miniature carved powder flask with spring-cap
- German-patent stamped accessory container
- Additional ammunition storage compartments
- Designed for discreet gentleman’s personal protection, travel, and covert carry
- Highly evocative artifact of intrigue, danger, and refined engineering
Cultural Significance
During the mid-19th century, European travel could be fraught with risk — from banditry to political unrest. Wealthy gentlemen, diplomats, private agents, and officers often commissioned concealed defensive kits to protect themselves discreetly. This set represents the apex of such craftsmanship: engineered for survival while maintaining elegance and social discretion.
Today, surviving complete disguised weapon sets are extremely scarce and deeply desirable to collectors of antique arms, espionage history, military curiosities, and high-end Victorian / Continental artifacts. This is a legitimate museum-grade example.
Condition
Good antique condition throughout. Velvet case exhibits honest age wear and fading. Silver-plated mounts display patina consistent with time. Interior retains original custom-fit velvet recesses. Pistol and dagger show pleasing patina with strong visual character. Accessories remain intact. Presents with tremendous authenticity and presence.
Dimensions (approximate)
Overall Case Length: approx. 10 inches
Dagger Blade Length: approx. 7.5 inches
Case Thickness: approx. 2 inches
Age
Mid-to-Late 19th Century — circa 1855–1885
Learn More
Explore the historical setting of 19th-century German society in Nineteenth-Century German History
Discover more authentic historical arms and artifacts in our curated Ancient Combat Artifacts, Armor & Weapons Collection
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