Door Jam Pistol

An Early Black Powder Alarm System

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 This is a black powder alarm gun. Known as a Door Jam Pistol. It was screwed into the door jam next to the door so when set the door would hit the hammer and set it off.

This one comes from Dixie Gun works and is a copy of old time alarm gun. It is 31 caliber and you would load it with 10 grains of FFF or FF Black Powder toped with newspaper wad. Even with just a cap on it, it will make a loud bang without all of the smoke and fire.

You can see the main spring held down by the nipple here. To set it off you only had to move the hammer a little before the spring closed it on the cap. With 10 grains of powder in it, It is very loud in an inclosed area. But one would have to be careful it did not set fire to your house or cabin of the time. This is made of brass except the main spring, nipple and screw. If you would like to buy one of these you can go to Dixie Gun Works

and look it up on their site. PH0511 Door Jamb Pistol.This would make a nice little novelty to anyone's Black Powder Gun Collection.

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