Chicago Firearms "Protector" Palm Pistol

This example with serial number 12685 on all plate chambers and case is .32 caliber extra short rim fire and is nickel plated with mother of pearl side plates; excellent condition overall. Peter Finnegan of Austin, Illinois purchased the patent rights for the Protector Palm pistol from the Minneapolis Firearms Co in 1892 in order to institute design improvements to make the gun more reliable. He formed a new company, The Chicago Firearms Co. The improved pistol was slightly larger, the safety functioned better and the side plate was more secure. In addition, the entire gun was a little bit sturdier. He contracted with Ames Sword Co. of Chicopee Falls, Mass. to manufacture the weapons and deliver them to him in time for the opening of the Columbian Exhibition (The Chicago World's Fair of 1892). Ames defaulted and did not deliver until after the Exhibition had closed and even then, only a small percentage of the contract. Finnegan sued Ames, eventually winning cash settlement with the Ames Sword Company becoming the owner of 13,000 Protector Palm pistols, which they sold from 1894 through 1910 although the guns themselves were all made prior to 1898.

To view more from our antique arms galleries, please click here.

Price: $3,500

If you are interested in buying this item, please call (978) 597-8084 or email David Hillier at drh@aaawt.com or Lynn Morin at lfm@aaawt.com

DEALER INQUIRIES WELCOME