Original items. Only One Pair Available. Pattened in 1897 these are so small (about the size of an American Quarter) and being in pinfire BATF does not legally consider these antique pistols firearms.

Franz Pfannl was an Austrian watchmaker and inventor, best known for creating the 2.7mm Kolibri pistol in 1910, the smallest commercially available centerfire pistol and cartridge ever produced. Pfannl's work on this pistol was financially supported by Georg Grabner, and his firearms were known for their precision engineering and tiny dimensions, which required meticulous craftsmanship.

In addition to the Kolibri pistol, Pfannl also designed other miniature firearms, such as the earlier the 2mm Berloque rifles and pistols (pistolchen), which he patented in the mid 1899. "Berloque" is a small charm worn with a watch or a bracelet, and given how small these tiny pistols are, that describes them perfectly. These were produced from the 1890s onwards from Austria, all based on Pfannl's designs until they began to be made by Gerhard Göbharter GmbH. These extremely small, and not legally considered firearms by the BATFE, though as they have cartridges with them they are Not Available for Export.

The Pinfire system was the earliest form of "Cartridge" developed with a pin projecting out at 90 degrees to the cartridge case. When depressed by the falling hammer the cartridge discharged. At the time up against muzzle loading Revolvers these were revolutionary. Like most things by the end of the Civil War technology had moved on and in the late 1860's regular type cartridges as we know them today had been introduced.

The pair of 2mm Berloque pistols we have here are just lovely, measuring 1 ½ inches in length. Both are marked AUSTRIA on the top of the barrel, and are more or less identical, with no other markings. They are a "top break" design, and the action on these matches other examples we have seen. Both are fully functional, though one has a bent spring on the barrel latch, so the breech does not lock closed, though this could easily be adjusted by someone with the skill.

Included with the pistols is a brass tipped non-magnetic ejector rod for the pistols, as well as a small glass jar containing cartridges for the pistols, which look to be unloaded inert display cartridges.

A very interesting set of "Watch Charm" pinfire pistols, ready to research and display!

NOTE: U.S. Quarter shown for size comparison only and is not included.

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1895
Caliber: 2mm Lefaucheux
Ammunition Type: Pinfire Cartridge
Barrel Length:  ½ inch
Overall Length: 1 ½ inches
Action: Single Action
Feed System: Single Shot

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 most US States and most U.S. territories.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for 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 most addresses within the United States.