Imperial Protector Ring Gun

This is an example of a unique 19th century style ring gun that was custom made in the late 20th century. Despite the foggy history surrounding these little trinkets, these ring pistols are oddities and appeal to collectors purely as conversation pieces. Though most examples appear to be, or create the illusion of being, of French origin, this example was crafted purely to appeal to the British market and appears to have been retailed by a London goldsmith. The German silver band of the ring has a light floral type engraving and is marked "IMPERIAL PROTECTOR". This ring gun features a small hand rotated 6-shot pinfire cartridge cylinder that must be removed for loading/unloading. The pins of the cartridges are struck by the base of the hammer. Includes a uniquely shield-shaped, clamshell type, leather wrapped jewelry case with the interior of the lid lining marked for the British retailer Pickett goldsmith of London and an empty cartridge block in the fitted lower portion.

Condition: Very fine as custom made, retains 80% of the nitre blue finish with some light wear and bright German silver with a few light handling marks overall. Mechanically functions. The case is very fine with some scattered light handling/storage marks and mild interior wear.