Original Victorian Era British Single Shot Side Hammer Percussion "Belly Buster" Vest Pistol by Thomas K. Baker of London - circa 1840 Military Flare Guns and the rear is marked

and the rear is marked a Vietnam era date of 1974 (most likely a post war replacement)

In the first four months of 1945

There is also shortened number 491 on the back of the sight leaf

The remark was passed along and men kidded each other about being in the Rainbow SS

Original Victorian Era British Single Shot Side Hammer Percussion "Belly Buster" Vest Pistol by Thomas K. Baker of London - circa 1840 Military Flare Guns and the rear is markedOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely British Percussion "Belly Buster" Vest pistol, featuring a short large bore barrel, intended for very close range use. It features a somewhat rounded "box lock" style frame and very interesting "Side Hammer" design. These are usually top hammer, but as it is percussion, it may have been easier to put the hammer and bolster on the side. It is a very early percussion example, and is marked on the top