{"product_id":"original-u-s-antique-rare-blued-finish-the-protector-palm-pistol-by-chicago-firearms-co-with-matching-serial-4937-only-1-000-made-with-blued-finish","title":"Original U.S. Antique Rare Blued Finish THE PROTECTOR Palm Pistol by Chicago Firearms Co. with Matching Serial 4937 - Only 1,000 Made with Blued Finish","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, there were also a smaller number produced with a blued finish, which is exactly what we have here. \u003cstrong\u003eOnly about 1,000 in the 3700-5400 serial number range\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe serial number of our fine example is \u003cstrong\u003e4937\u003c\/strong\u003e, which is marked on the inside of the frame, on the cylinder, and on the removable cover. That makes it a very nice \u003cstrong\u003e'ALL MATCHING'\u003c\/strong\u003e example, with no major parts swapped out over the years. There is also a small \u003cstrong\u003eIN'S.\u003c\/strong\u003e 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:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ccenter\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCHIGAGO FIRE ARMS CO.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCHICAGO ILL.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe other side of the pistol is marked:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ccenter\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTHE PROTECTOR\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePAT. MCH.6.83 AUG.29.93\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFunctionally, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA 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!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYear of Manufacture: 1893-1897\u003cbr\u003eCaliber: .32\u003cbr\u003eAmmunition Type: Custom Rimfire Cartridge\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBarrel Length: 1 3\/4 inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 5 1\/4 inches\u003cbr\u003eAction: Double action\u003cbr\u003eFeed System: 7 Shot Revolver\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNOTE: 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45071779954757,"sku":"ONJR26MYMF035","price":3795.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR26MYMF035.jpg?v=1780075316","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-antique-rare-blued-finish-the-protector-palm-pistol-by-chicago-firearms-co-with-matching-serial-4937-only-1-000-made-with-blued-finish","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}