Vintage Chicago Defender Palm Pistol

The Chicago Firearms Protector Palm Pistol is an antique, pocket watch-shaped radial revolver patented in the late 19th century. Shaped like a disk, it was built specifically for concealed carry and close-range defense. It operated by being held entirely inside the fist with the barrel protruding between the fingers. The weapon was originally invented and patented in France in 1882 by Jacques Turbiaux, who marketed it as the "Turbiaux Le Protector". In 1892, Peter H. Finnegan purchased the American patent rights and founded the Chicago Fire Arms Co. to manufacture and market the weapon. Finnegan contracted the Ames Sword Company of Chicopee, Massachusetts, to handle mass production. His intent was to market and sell the unique pistols to massive crowds at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Total production is estimated to be around 12,800 units. This is serial No. 8513 and all numbers match. It fires 7 rounds of .32 Extra Short rimfire ammunition and has a double actionsqueeze mechanism. The original nickel plating is in good condition with a few minor rust spots and plating loss to the back disc cover. The mother of pearl inlays on both sides are VG. The mechanism fires when squeezed but the internal cylinder d