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Unusual unsigned French miniature side-by-side double-barrel “boudoir” pistol, chambered for the diminutive 4mm pinfire cartridge. Measuring only 4 ¾ in. overall, the pistol has 2 in. round barrels, engraved frame, folding trigger and gracefully curved ivory grips.
The pinfire system, developed in France and widely adopted during the mid-19th century, lent itself particularly well to extremely small defensive pistols. Miniature examples such as the present arm were intended as highly compact personal arms and are often described by collectors as boudoir, purse or vest-pocket pistols.
The pistol is housed in an unusually decorative French-style fitted case with a deep burgundy velvet interior. The ivory-colored molded exterior has a slightly domed lid centered by an elaborate applied medallion incorporating silver- and gold-toned foliate decoration surrounding a vacant oval reserve. The case material appears consistent with early celluloid or a related ivory-imitation composition.
Of particular interest is the accompanying block of ten diminutive 4mm pinfire cartridges, providing an excellent visual demonstration of the remarkably small ammunition for which the pistol was chambered.
The combination of miniature scale, side-by-side configuration, engraved decoration, ivory grips, surviving cartridges and unusually elaborate fitted presentation case makes this a particularly appealing example of the refined French miniature pinfire pistol.
Item Date: Circa 1870–1880
Measurement: 4.75 inches overall; 2 inch barrels
Material: Steel with engraved frame; ivory grips; ivory-colored molded case, probably celluloid; velvet-lined interior
Item Condition: Fine condition overall with pleasing age-toned steel surfaces and well-defined engraved decoration. Ivory grips retain an attractive mellow surface with expected natural age coloration. The fitted case remains particularly appealing, with one small chip at the upper left corner and minor wear consistent with age. Accompanied by a block containing ten miniature pinfire cartridges.
Price: $3,850
SKU 308-743
For More Information, Please Contact David Hillier at 978-597-8084 or email drh@aaawt.com.