Original Item: Only One Available. This is a fine early example of the unusual “THE PROTECTOR” PALM PISTOL, manufactured by the Minneapolis Firearms Co. Based upon our examination, it appears to be chambered for an uncommon .30-caliber centerfire cartridge. Approximately 3,000 Protector pistols were manufactured by the Minneapolis Firearms Co., making surviving examples quite scarce. This is the first Minneapolis-marked example that we have offered.

The design originated with French inventor Jacques Edmond Turbiaux, who patented and produced his distinctive palm pistol in France during the early 1880s. French examples were sold under names including the Turbiaux Le Protector and Turbiaux Disc Pistol, with surviving examples known in several calibers and configurations. The design was subsequently manufactured in the United States by the Minneapolis Firearms Co.

In 1892, the American rights were acquired by Peter H. Finnegan of Austin, Illinois, who organized the Chicago Fire Arms Company to produce and market the pistol. Finnegan contracted with the Ames Sword Company of Chicopee, Massachusetts, for 15,000 pistols in anticipation of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. Only approximately 1,500 were completed in time for the exposition, resulting in legal action between Finnegan and Ames. Production eventually reached approximately 12,800 pistols, most of which were nickel-finished, seven-shot examples chambered for the .32 Extra Short cartridge.

Although the Minneapolis and later Chicago pistols share the same basic operating principle, there are several noticeable differences. The pistol was designed to be concealed almost entirely within the hand, with the barrel projecting between the first and second fingers. The Chicago-made version generally has four exterior finger supports, while the earlier Minneapolis version has only two. The Minneapolis pistol also lacks the rear pad found on the operating lever of later examples.

This version does not have the trigger-mounted safety associated with some later pistols. Instead, it has a rotating safety at the lower rear of the frame that prevents the operating lever from being fully depressed. This arrangement follows the general form used on the original French pistols, although it has the disadvantage of being difficult to operate with the same hand holding the weapon.

The matching serial number 1965 is marked on the interior of the frame, the rotating cylinder, and the removable side cover. This makes it a very desirable ALL-MATCHING example with no indication that these major components were exchanged during its service life.

The exterior of the removable cover is marked around the center:

THE PROTECTOR
MINN. FIREARMS CO.

The opposite side is marked:

☆ PATENTED. MARCH 6, 1883 ☆

The pistol is in lovely condition overall. Age, handling, and past cleaning have removed much of the original nickel-plated finish, which is now retained at approximately 20 percent. Most of the remaining finish is visible near the forward finger supports and beneath the operating lever. The exposed metal has developed some light oxidation, but there is no major corrosion.

The textured hard-rubber side panels remain in very good condition without cracks or major damage. They show only scattered scratches and handling marks consistent with age. The removable cover releases properly, allowing the seven-shot rotating cylinder to be removed for inspection and cleaning.

Mechanically, the pistol cycles correctly and produces a crisp dry-fire action. The mechanism can occasionally feel somewhat stiff, which appears consistent with the construction of the design. The bore is excellent, retaining a bright interior with crisp lands and grooves. Its condition suggests that this pistol saw relatively little actual use.

We measured the bore and chambers at slightly under .30 inch. Inspection of the firing mechanism also indicates that this example is configured for a centerfire cartridge, rather than the .32 Extra Short rimfire cartridge ordinarily associated with American Protector pistols. We have been unable to confirm the precise cartridge designation, making this an especially interesting example with considerable potential for further research.

A scarce, matching-number Minneapolis Firearms Co. Protector with an unusual apparent centerfire chambering, distinctive early safety arrangement, excellent bore, and approximately 20 percent of its original nickel finish remaining. Manufactured well before 1899, it qualifies as an antique firearm under federal law.

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: Circa 1884-1892
Caliber: Approximately .30 caliber, measured
Ammunition Type: Apparent centerfire cartridge, exact chambering unconfirmed
Barrel Length: 1 5/8 inches
Overall Length: 4 1/2 inches
Action: Double-action palm-squeeze revolver
Feed System: Seven-shot rotating cylinder
Serial Number: 1965, matching

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 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.

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