Original Item: Only One Available. This is a fine early example of the legendary THE PROTECTOR model PALM PISTOL by Minneapolis Firearms Co., in what looks to be .30 centerfire extra short. 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. There is unfortunately not nearly as much information about the chambering for these, and the look to have been offered in several sizes. All examples by Minn. Firearms Co, are quite rare, with only 3,000 having been made, and this is the first time that we have had one. As they only produced them prior to 1892, they are all considered Pre-1899 Antique Firearms by the BATF.

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.

The basic design of the Minneapolis and Chicago pistols is the same, but they definitely have some noticeable differences. As the pistol was intended to be entirely concealed by the hand, it has finger spurs on the exterior on either side of the barrel, however while the Chicago pistols had four, the Minneapolis pistols only have two. There is also no pad on the rear operating lever on the Minneapolis pistols. This version of the pistol does not have the "trigger" safety, and instead there is a rotating safety on the bottom rear, which prevents the lever from pushing all the way in. This was the same design used in the original French produced pistols, but did have the disadvantage of not being able to work the safety using only one hand.

The serial number of our fine example is 1965, 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. 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, though age and cleaning have removed much of the original nickel plating, which is probably retained at about 20% now, mostly on the front near the finger tabs, and under the operating lever. There is some light oxidation where the plating has worn away, but nothing major. The textured bakelite pads on both sides show no cracking or major damage, just a few scratches and scrapes from long service. The cover comes off easily, and the "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 excellent condition, showing a bright finish with crisp lands and grooves. It does not look like this example saw much use at all! We also measured the bore and chambers, and it came out to just under .30", so there is no way that it is chambered in .32 like the Chicago pistols were. It also definitely in CENTERFIRE, and we were not able to find much information on these being in anything but rimfire. Definitely some fantastic potential for future research here!

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 and ready to display!

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: 1884-1892
Caliber: .30
Ammunition Type: Custom Rimfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 1 5/8 inches
Overall Length: 4 1/2 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.