Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. The design of this fascinating self-defense handgun was discussed in "Firearms Curiosa" by Winant and pictured on page 159. The design for this unusual weapon was patented in the U.K. on September 5, 1877, and then the U.S. on November 6, 1877.
This exact gun was featured on an episode of Forgotten Weapons (when it was non-functional, it is in working condition now with correct springs replaced).
At first glance, this 5mm pinfire revolver appears to be a simple coin purse but inside it contains a folding trigger pin fire revolver! The serial number "1085" on the recoil shield on the right, "8" on the back of the cylinder, "85" on the rear of the right blast shield, and a "crown/Z" proof on the left side of the frame at the rear. The trigger folds down and through the bottom of the purse so that the revolver can be fired without opening the purse itself. The top of the case reads FRANKENAU'S PATENT. There is also a small cover for the muzzle. It is also numbered "1085" by hand inside the metal body of the purse. The revolver compartment also has an ejector rod and is perforated on the lid to aid in heat dissipation. The other compartment can hold money or other items.
Rating Definition: Fine. The revolver itself retains 90% of its original nickel finish. The leather/fabric exterior is good with wear and aged patina, and the interior lining has some tears. Mechanically functions well with correctly indexing cylinder. A rare and very interesting "covert" revolver and piece of "firearms curiosa."
NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.
- This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey
This product is available for international shipping.
IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.
These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.
Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.
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