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LOT 1132
Scarce, Attractive, Engraved W. W. Marston Superposed Three-Barrel .32 Derringer with Very Scarce 4 Inch
Barrels - Serial no. 577, 32 RF cal., 4 inch fluted bbl., blue/silver finish, rosewood grips. Manufactured c. 1864 to 1872,
it is believed that only around 3,300 of these curious pistols were produced, with very few examples showing this level of
exceptional engraving and the longer than standard 4 inch barrel group. Relatively few of these Marston pistols show engraving, factory or
otherwise, and even fewer show engraving that appears to be the work of the shop of L.D. Nimschke such as this example. The pistol shows
beautifully executed floral scroll engraving, which certainly shows the style and skill of possibly Nimschke himself, on the sides of the frame,
down the back strap, and on the sides of the barrels at both the muzzle and
the breech. The left of the frame at the center of the engraving is marked with
the Wm. W. Marston address and patent marking, while the right has the 0-3 shot counter numbers. The
matching serial number is marked on the left of the grip frame, rear of the barrel lug, and stamped inside
both grips. It is fitted with a German silver blade front sight, notch rear sight on top of the barrel latch, and
a pair of smooth rosewood grips.
CONDITION: Very good, the iron showing primarily a bright grey patina and the brass showing an attractive,
bright, lightly aged patina with crisp engraving and markings overall. The grips are fine with a hairline crack
in the right panel and some light handling marks. Mechanically needs work.
Estimate: 3,000 - 5,000
LOT 1133
Outstanding Chicago Firearms Co.
Protector Palm Pistol with Original
Factory Picture Box - Serial no. 5732,
32 XSRF cal., 1 3/4 inch round bbl., nickel
finish, hard rubber grips. It is estimated
that around 12,800 of these unique palm
pistols were manufactured in the 1890s,
placing this example, with serial number
“5732”, towards the middle of production.
The frame has the standard model and
patent dates marking around the center circle, while the center circle
of the sideplate has the Chicago Firearms Co. marking. The barrel has
the standard floral band, and there is a floral border on the frame. The
matching serial number is marked on the inside of the frame, the cylinder
turret, and inside the sideplate. The sideplate and frame are fitted with
checkered hard rubber grip panels, and it has a checkered hard rubber plunger pad. Includes a very scarce picture box showing an
image of a hand holding one of these Protector revolvers on the lid along with various slogans including “Vest Pocket revolver ‘protects’
loaded or not.”
CONDITION: Excellent, retains 99% plus of the bright, original nickel finish with a series of extremely light dings on the top and bottom
of the frame and otherwise very minimal handling marks. The grip panels and plunger pad are also excellent with only the slightest
handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The box is fine with taped bottom corners and otherwise mild edge/
corner wear. It would be nearly impossible to find a better example of the Protector palm pistol, especially with the rare picture box!
Estimate: 4,000 - 6,000
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