ANTIQUE Chicago Fire Arms Co, The Protector .32 RF extra Short Radial Palm PistolOur Assessment: Originally developed by a French inventor named Jacques Turbiaux, the "Le Protector" pistol is a fascinating little machine. Turbiaux made some in France, but soon licensed the design to Peter Finnegan who produced them at his Minneapolis Firearms Company which was then moved and became the Chicago Fire Arms Company which sub-contracted production to the Ames Sword Company. Like many other manufacturers and inventors of the time, Finnegan hoped to take advantage of the Chicago World Fair in 1892 to sell a huge quantity of his Protector palm-pistols, contracting for 15,000 to be made. There were only about 13,000 made, taking some 12 years to sell all that were produced from 1892-1898.
While the pistol may look a little odd, it is quite ergonomic and manages to pack seven rounds of .32 extra Short into its radial cylinder. The mechanism is essentially that of any other double action revolver, except that the trigger is a lever on the rear which is engaged by the palm of the hand the cylinder is radial, rotating around an axis perpendicular to the bore with the cartridges pointing away from the axis of rotation. The sideplate can be removed by rotating it and then the trigger can be depressed slightly to remove the cylinder for loading and unloading.
This example is in gorgeous condition. It retains nearly all of its original nickel finish, strong mechanics, serial matching parts, and the bore condition indicates it has seen very limited, if any actual firing. This fascinating little gun will make a great addition to a collection of pocket pistols and is sure to be a conversation starter with its unique appearance.
Make: Chicago Firearms
Model: The Protector
Serial Number: 3368
Year of Manufacture: 1890's
Caliber: .32 extra Short Rimfire
Action Type: Double Action Only Radial Revolver
Sights / Optics: The front sight is
. The rear sight is . scope?
Type of Finish: Nickel
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is better than average with good rifling.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 85% of its metal finish. There are some scattered little nicks and scratches and some areas of finish loss and oxidation, mostly on the sideplate knurling. There are some scattered cloudy freckles and a few bubbles in the nickel and some scattered handling marks. The metal parts with serial numbers match. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions properly. We did not fire this gun. As with all used firearms, a more thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
CA LEGALITY: CA Classified ANTIQUE: YES.
HANDGUNSPISTOLS