This is a saw-handle dueling pistol by Richard Hollis & Son, made around 1840, in 55 caliber with a 9.5-inch barrel and no serial number. The barrel has gone to a smooth light gray to brown patina and is marked VAN WIRT SON & CO LONDON on top; Van Wirt Son and Company bought guns and exported them to the United States. The lock is marked RICH. HOLLIS & SONS and is engraved, as are the breech plug and upper tang, and the trigger guard carries silver hallmarks.

The wood is very good and has been refinished. The pistol has a set trigger and a lock safety on the hammer, and the silver mounts and engraving mark it as a deluxe grade example of its type. For an Illinois buyer it is a collector's piece rather than a shooter, and it still passes through a dealer like any other handgun, so the FOID, the age of 21 and the 72-hour hold all apply.

Key features

• Richard Hollis & Son saw-handle dueler, circa 1840
• 55 caliber, 9.5-inch barrel
• Engraved lock, breech plug and upper tang
• Silver hallmarked trigger guard, set trigger
• Barrel marked VAN WIRT SON & CO LONDON

It ships to the Illinois FFL dealer you name, where you show your FOID, complete Form 4473 and collect it after the 72-hour hold.