CHICAGO FIREARMS COMPANY “PROTECTOR” PALM PISTOL

$2,695.00

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 490-7045

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Call 717-334-0347,
Fax 717-334-5016, or E-mail

Invented in France in 1882, these pistols could be concealed in the palm of the hand with just the barrel protruding between one’s fingers and were fired by squeezing the fist. They were first patented in 1883 by the U.S. by the Minneapolis Firearms Company, who made about 3,000 of them before the patent was purchased by the Chicago Firearms Company in the expectation of marketing it in connection with the 1893 Columbian Exposition. Their total production is estimated by Flayderman at 12,800. The pistol has rotary chambers for seven “extra-short” .32 cartridges. This has the standard, nickel-plated bright finish with raised floral motifs in a band around the thicker, rear end of the barrel and a small leaf motif on a lined band around the circumference of the body on the right, and a chevron and serrated motif on the left. The body has circular, checkered hard-rubber panels on the sides, matched by a grip pad, with the center of the right sideplate marked: “THE PROTECTOR / PAT. MCH.5.83. AUG.29.93” and “CHICAGO FIREARMS CO. / CHICAGO ILL.” on the left.

The condition is excellent. Both sides have bright metal, with the left showing only a tad duller than the right. The hard rubber fittings are excellent, with good color, surface and no chipping. The grip shows just a little loss of nickel and graying around the grip pad, which itself is excellent.

Like many deringers of the period, these were relatively flat for easy concealment in a vest pocket or the like and also were not much bigger than a pocket watch with their round shape allaying suspicion if observed. They were certainly marketed for close quarters self-defense by a gentleman walking city streets for a night on the town, or maybe at the opera, where multiple rounds might make up for the small caliber or inaccuracy. A “double ring finger guard” for it was also made and marketed according to Flayderman, likely with a view of using it as a pair of brass knuckles if it came down it.    [sr][ph:m]

DISCLAIMER: All firearms are sold as collector's items only - we do not accept responsibility as to the shooting safety or reliability of any antique firearm. All firearms are described as accurately as possible, given the restraints of a catalog listing length. We want satisfied customers & often "under" describe the weapons. Any city or state regulations regarding owning antique firearms are the responsibility of the purchaser. All firearms are "mechanically perfect" unless noted, but again, are NOT warranted as safe to fire!

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