The Muff Pistol was so named
because it was small enough to
be concealed in a lady`s
muff (handwarmer)
(1).
This pair probably predates
Queen Anne`s reign, which began on March 8th 1702. Like a Queen
Anne Pistol, each has a turn-off
barrel with an unscrewing lug.
The locks include a safety
switch and the side plates are
made of steel. The walnut stocks
have bulbous style butts. "I.
WILLIAMS" is engraved on the
side of each breech below the
feather (frizzen) spring. There
are no visible proof marks on
the pistols.