[cordex]

A cousin brought this in today. No idea on the history of the gun, prior owners, manufacturer or even caliber (though I assume the stamping has something to do with it). There are two sets of markings - on the frame (http://www.benswenson.com/images/gun/oddpistol/oddPistol020.jpg) and on the breechplate (http://www.benswenson.com/images/gun/oddpistol/oddPistol028.jpg).

A .22 short carefully inserted into the chamber (doesn't fully fit) (http://www.benswenson.com/images/gun/oddpistol/oddPistol029.jpg)

More images here (http://www.benswenson.com/images/gun/oddpistol/)

A full shot of the gun:
http://www.benswenson.com/images/gun/oddpistol/oddPistol015.jpg

Any ideas?

[SDC]

It appears to be a "parlour pistol" in 6mm Flobert (something like a .22 CB cap); these were used for indoor target shooting when being a target shooter wouldn't get you "the look". The proofs are Belgian, if that helps.

[Jim K]

It says it is 6mm and, as SDC says, it would have been for indoor shooting. The cartridges were very short and usually had no powder, with the primer furnishing all the power. There were 6mm cartridges in both center fire and rimfire, and the hammer of that gun looks like it was made to fire either one.

The proof marks, though, are German, not Belgian. The "crown B" is the view mark, the "crown U" is the mark for an arm proved in the finished state, and the "crown G" is the proof mark for rifled barrels. The three marks appear on other guns, notably Lugers, and constitute what Luger collectors call the "bug" proofs.

Since the proof law of 1891, establishing those marks, did not become effective until 1893, the gun was made after that date. Its general appearance would tend to indicate a manufacture date around in the 1890-1910 period rather than later.

Jim

[stealthmode]

intersting is an understatement , thats plain ugly.:barf:

[cordex]

Thanks folks!

I found a similar pistol being sold as an Anschutz parlor pistol (but it was chambered in .22 LR)