{"product_id":"original-u-s-antique-minneapolis-firearms-co-the-protector-30-caliber-centerfire-palm-pistol-one-of-approximately-3-000-made-matching-serial-no-1965","title":"Original U.S. Antique Minneapolis Firearms Co. “THE PROTECTOR” .30 Caliber Centerfire Palm Pistol - One of Approximately 3,000 Made - Matching Serial No. 1965","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a fine early example of the unusual \u003cstrong\u003e“THE PROTECTOR” PALM PISTOL\u003c\/strong\u003e, manufactured by the \u003cstrong\u003eMinneapolis Firearms Co.\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe design originated with French inventor \u003cstrong\u003eJacques Edmond Turbiaux\u003c\/strong\u003e, who patented and produced his distinctive palm pistol in France during the early 1880s. French examples were sold under names including the \u003cstrong\u003eTurbiaux Le Protector\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eTurbiaux Disc Pistol\u003c\/strong\u003e, with surviving examples known in several calibers and configurations. The design was subsequently manufactured in the United States by the Minneapolis Firearms Co.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1892, the American rights were acquired by \u003cstrong\u003ePeter H. Finnegan\u003c\/strong\u003e of Austin, Illinois, who organized the \u003cstrong\u003eChicago Fire Arms Company\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe matching serial number \u003cstrong\u003e1965\u003c\/strong\u003e is marked on the interior of the frame, the rotating cylinder, and the removable side cover. This makes it a very desirable \u003cstrong\u003eALL-MATCHING\u003c\/strong\u003e example with no indication that these major components were exchanged during its service life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe exterior of the removable cover is marked around the center:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTHE PROTECTOR\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMINN. FIREARMS CO.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe opposite side is marked:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e☆ PATENTED. MARCH 6, 1883 ☆\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMechanically, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe measured the bore and chambers at slightly under .30 inch. Inspection of the firing mechanism also indicates that this example is configured for a \u003cstrong\u003ecenterfire cartridge\u003c\/strong\u003e, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYear of Manufacture: Circa 1884-1892\u003cbr\u003eCaliber: Approximately .30 caliber, measured\u003cbr\u003eAmmunition Type: Apparent centerfire cartridge, exact chambering unconfirmed\u003cbr\u003eBarrel Length: 1 5\/8 inches\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 4 1\/2 inches\u003cbr\u003eAction: Double-action palm-squeeze revolver\u003cbr\u003eFeed System: Seven-shot rotating cylinder\u003cbr\u003eSerial Number: 1965, matching\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44863174639685,"sku":"ONJR26MABS040","price":2495.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/D4DF445F-1095-4C92-97DE-65FA08AD8A33.jpg?v=1775841937","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-antique-minneapolis-firearms-co-the-protector-30-caliber-centerfire-palm-pistol-one-of-approximately-3-000-made-matching-serial-no-1965","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}