Original Item: Only One Available. This is a fantastic example of the legendary THE PROTECTOR model CHICAGO PALM PISTOL in 32 Rimfire, in the very rare factory blued finish. The Protector Palm Pistol was first patented and built in France in 1882 by JACQUES TURBIAUX and sold as the "TURBIAUX LE PROTECTOR" or the "TURBIAUX DISC PISTOL". These were usually in .22 or .8mm rimfire. Later in 1883 it was built in the USA as THE PROTECTOR by MINNEAPOLIS FIREARMS CO.. They manufactured approximately 3,000 of the pistol during the 1880s, and it achieved limited success.

In 1892, the Patent was purchased by PETER FINNEGAN of Austin, Illinois. who immediately formed the CHICAGO FIRE ARMS COMPANY to produce this weapon to be launched at the WORLD'S COLUMBIAN EXPOSITION of 1893. Finnegan contracted the Ames Sword Company of Chicopee, Massachusetts to manufacture 15,000 pistols, however only 1,500 were produced in time for the exposition. Legal action ensued, and a settlement was reached. Eventually total of 12,800 units were produced by Ames, mostly Seven shot with a Nickel Finish in .32 Rimfire.

However, there were also a smaller number produced with a blued finish, which is exactly what we have here. Only about 1,000 in the 3700-5400 serial number range estimated to have blue finish like this example, and this is the first example that we have had! It is in the correct serial number range for a blued pistol, and it shows the expected wear from use, with the blued finish faded in areas, but it is still easily recognizable as a blued example.

The design of the Chicago version of "The Protector" involves a "trigger" on the front that must be pulled in for the cylinder to advance and the action to fire, preventing accidental discharges. This differs from the French and earlier Minneapolis Firearms design, which had latch on the rear that blocked the palm trigger from being pushed all the way in. On this example however, the rear portion of the trigger safety is broken off and the spring missing, so it will cycle at all times. We also noted that the original checkered black rubber "grips" on the sides were replaced at some point with flat black plastic.

The serial number of our fine example is 4937, which is marked on the inside of the frame, on the cylinder, and on the removable cover. That makes it a very nice 'ALL MATCHING' example, with no major parts swapped out over the years. There is also a small IN'S. marking stamped on the interior under the serial number, probably indicating that it was inspected. The outside of the cover is marked around the center with:

The other side of the pistol is marked:

The revolver/pistol is in lovely condition, with the original blued finish faded to plum in many areas, while under the palm trigger and in more protected areas it still shows the high gloss bluing. The replaced plastic pads on the sides show light wear, and definitely were fitted some time ago. The cover comes off easily, and the bright steel "cylinder" can easily be removed from the frame for inspection and cleaning.

Functionally, the pistol cycles well with a crisp dry fire. We did not notice any issues with the action, though it can be a bit stiff at times, which is just due to how it is constructed. We checked the bore, and it is in very good condition, showing a mostly bright finish with crisp lands and grooves. There is just a bit of past fouling and oxidation in the grooves, so it looks to have only seen light use during its life.

A rare and desirable unique style revolver intended to be concealed in the hand the barrel projecting out between the first and second fingers. Another American Classic, made Pre-1899 so considered an antique by the BATF. Not seen very much any more, particularly in the rare blued finish. Ready to display!

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: 1893-1897
Caliber: .32
Ammunition Type: Custom Rimfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 1 3/4 inches
Overall Length: 5 1/4 inches
Action: Double action
Feed System: 7 Shot Revolver

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.

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.

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.