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Arms, Armor & Militaria
|
- Sale 1293
Live
| Cincinnati
Oct 24 | 10:00 AM EDT
Live
| Cincinnati
Sale 1293
| Cincinnati
| Cincinnati
Estimate$4,500 – $6,500
.32RF Extra Short. 1.625" two-stage round barrel. SN: 4839. Blued finish with checkered hard rubber side plate inserts and palm pad. Squeeze cocking seven shot rotating magazine palm pistol with original box and cleaning brush. Left side plate marked in a circle CHICAGO FIREARMS CO. CHICAGO ILL. with the right side plate marked in a circle THE PROTECTOR PAT. MCH. 6. 83. AUG. 29. 93. Matching serial number 4839 inside both side plates and on rotating magazine. First patented in France by Jacques Turbiaux in 1882 and sold as "Le Protector", the patents of this design were purchased by Peter H. Finnegan, who would sell them under the auspices of his Chicago Fire Arms Company. Finnegan signed a contract with the famed Ames Sword Company to manufacture these unique little guns, agreeing that the latter would produce 15,000 examples. After Ames failed to make an unreasonable deadline, a legal battle with Finnegan ensued. It is estimated that Ames ultimately produced approximately 12,800 examples. This example is accompanied by the very rarely encountered original brown wood grain paper covered pasteboard box with the the cover graphic depicting the pistol in use and listing the various attributes and features of the somewhat unique design. The original cleaning brush is included in the box as well. A very scarce and incredibly high condition example of one of the more desirable pieces of late 19th century curiosa.
Very fine to excellent. Bore fine, bright with excellent rifling. Pistol retains most of the original blue finish with some thinning and high edge wear. Markings remain clear and crisp. Hard rubber side panels and palm pad with crisp checkering, a wonderful rich chocolate color and without any of the usual chipping or cracking usually associated with these somewhat fragile components. Box is very good with moderate edge wear and loss to the wood grain paper covering. Lid with scattered rubs, marks and image loss. Bottom half of box with a tear on one of the long sides. Cleaning brush very fine.
The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.
The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.
Please email [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.
To request further details about this lot, please email [email protected]
Tim Carey
Associate Vice President, Head of Department, Arms, Armor and Militaria
Ms. Emma Fulmer
ATF Manager, Senior Coordinator, Arms, Armor & Militaria
