Nearly identical to a specimen shown on page 159 of Winant's "Firearms Curiosa", the Frankenau was designed to serve as both a change purse and a defensive revolver. The outer case is made from silver finished brass, with "FRANKENAU'S PATENT." on top, the folding trigger on the underside between the hinges, a hinged muzzle cover on one end, and a leather covered compartment on either side. The right side compartment has a spring loaded latch, which opens up to reveal the change purse section, complete with leather accordion style divider. Opening the left side reveals the pinfire revolver, London proofed, with a five-round cylinder, bobbed hammer, left side loading gate, and a "crown/Z" proof on the rear of the frame. Mounted inside the cover is a ramrod with a spring loaded retainer, along with a set of holes in the area of the muzzle, which do not continue through the leather. A bar extends from the muzzle cover to the trigger; opening the cover pushes the trigger out of its slot for easy access, and putting the trigger back closes the cover. Though the arm lacks sights, the most likely use of the revolver (an assailant demanding your money, followed by a bullet to the chest when pretending to hand the purse over, optionally followed by a one liner like "keep the change") makes this a minimal handicap.

Excellent. Approximately 80% of the original nickel remains, strongest on the top and rear of the frame, with an excellent aged color to both the silver and the brass. The internal revolver mechanism is excellent with 97% of the original nickel. The leather is good, with some mild scuffing on the exterior and tears in the divider. Action needs some minor adjustment. Some mild spotting is visible on the bright finish of the revolver, which is otherwise excellent