TASMANIAN TURNOVER Two Barrel Percussion PISTOL:

New Zealand was just ranked 4th Least Corrupt Country by Transparency International behind Denmark, Finland & Singapore ..

In contrast - UK is ranked 20th, - USA is ranked 30th.

This is Made in Birmingham, England - retailed in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land):

Antique, As Bought ..

 Did you know that back in 1856, Van Diemen's Land was renamed Tasmania - to distance the island from its history as a harsh British penal settlement? - I guess the locals back then had no idea that a few years later 'Transmaniacs' would be mincing about Sydney wearing pretty shoulder-bags, crutchless leather jockstraps & fishnet stockings ..

E.I. HAMPTON operated as a Gunmaker and Cutler in Elizabeth Street in Hobart Town's CBD during this early period.

'HOBART TOWN'

This 'Turnover' two barrel Percussion Pistol - while imported from the Birmingham Gun Trade in England - may have been engraved or enhanced in the Hobart Town premises, which was renowned for their quality engraved goods. - As obtained, my 'Twister' is fully functional - but the detent sprung indexing system is a bit uncertain .. observe the subsequent minor damage to the hammer nose .. (I will take a look at it, when I get a round Tuit)

This Slight Damage shows that this antique revolver was used

.. (does anyone else like PROMITE?)

"Twister" has a steel hinged-lid CAP BOX in the butt and two frozen turn-off barrels (no key). This blackpowder gun is a survivor of a tumultuous 175 year working life in the colonies .. both Australian and New Zealand gold rush periods. 1850-1900ish.

Just to clarify matters .. this 'Turnover pistol' may also be referred to as a 'Twister Pistol' because a rapid second shot is facilitated by hand revolving the lower barrel into the upper location for access by the hammer .. AND it's (screw barrel) turn-off barrels may be removed to enable breech-loading with ball & powder, - and can be called by some, TWIST-OFF BARRELS. This particular kind of two barrel pistol, having one only ignition system, has been considered by some experts to be an early type of REVOLVER. - Despite that .. this gun remains a Muff Pistol - named for it's ability to be hidden in a woman’s hand-warmer.

I've only just started playing with working on this fresh antique - but have noticed that the original nipples have machined 'friction grooves' that would have served to increase the stiction between the cones and the percussion caps when the barrels are revolved ..

So far I have been cleaning rust from the surfaces using fine 0000 steel wool and Oil of Wintergreen. The 'graved' decoration and lettering needed rust to be chased from the bottom of those cuts to 'sharpen and redefine the art. - During recent days I've developed my technique of BURNISHING dull rust pitted porous surfaces using a hard steel tool to smooth and shine without removing metal by cutting or scratching. - Burnishing is a non-abrasive process that uses friction and pressure.

"Rust scabs"—thick, flaky, or blistered rust—on antiques indicate advanced, active corrosion that, if left untreated, will continue to destroy the underlying metal. - Removing these, especially on delicate or collectible items, requires balancing the need to halt decay and improve the condition with the desire to preserve the historical patina.

- How the pistol arrived in the South Island of New Zealand might have been in the hands of a colonial gold miner ex Australia, trying his luck in the Otago cold river waters.

I need to make a 'key' to fit into the muzzles and get them unfrozen .. maybe a converted Allen key.

One hammer, two hand-rotated, 21/2 inch long .38 inch bore barrels. One trigger

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And now for something completely different ..

Video of Hand Grenades detonating at 5 Million Frames per Second slomo.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBNLgvr8wVo

IN THE INTEREST OF PUBLIC SAFETY - WE MUST INSIST THAT ALL NZ POLICE EMPLOYEES QUALIFY FOR, & OBTAIN, AND MAINTAIN THE SAME STANDARD NZ FIREARMS LICENCE in exactly the same way that we citizens are required to. - How can NZ Police claim to be SAFE & well trained without achieving a Firearms Licence?

Under the New Zealand Firearms Act (specifically the Arms Regulations 1992 and updated 2025 amendments), a holder of a B Endorsement (pistol target shooting) must actively participate in scheduled pistol shooting activities at a certified club range at least 12 times each year. 

Marty K.