{"product_id":"original-u-s-antique-the-protector-30cal-centerfire-palm-pistol-by-minneapolis-firearms-co-one-of-only-3-000-made-matching-serial-1965","title":"Original U.S. Antique THE PROTECTOR .30cal Centerfire Palm Pistol by Minneapolis Firearms Co. - One of Only 3,000 Made - Matching Serial 1965","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal 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 \u003cstrong\u003ePre-1899 Antique Firearms by the BATF\u003c\/strong\u003e.\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\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe serial number of our fine example is \u003cstrong\u003e1965\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. The outside of the cover is marked around the center with:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ccenter\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTHE PROTECTOR\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMINN. FIREARMS CO.\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\u003e☆ PATENTED. MARCH 6, 1883 ☆\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\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 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!\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 and ready to display!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYear of Manufacture: 1884-1892\u003cbr\u003eCaliber: .30\u003cbr\u003eAmmunition Type: Custom Rimfire Cartridge\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBarrel Length: 1 5\/8 inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 4 1\/2 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44863174639685,"sku":"ONJR26MABS040","price":3495.0,"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-the-protector-30cal-centerfire-palm-pistol-by-minneapolis-firearms-co-one-of-only-3-000-made-matching-serial-1965","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}